THE EFFECTS OF QUALITY OF LIFE ON RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY AND EDUCATION OF THE PATIENTS ON BREAST CANCER

Abstract

The breast cancer is the second common cancer and it is the second leading cause of cancer death. %75 of patients have 5 years survival after the diagnoses. Despite the best life expectancy it can change the quality of women’s life seriously. Breast reconstruction being applied with completely cosmetic aims, is an operation to help woman to regain their body image after the mastectomy. It is pointed that the patients who were applied breast reconstruction have more self-respect and sensation of body compared to the patients who were applied total mastectomy. The education given about cancer treatments and its side effects make adaptation of patients easier in the following period and decreas psychiatric morbidity. Because of this, the importance of education, emational and social support is increasing. The treatment facilities which is going to be applied to have diagnosis of breast cancer patients must be directed to provide satisfactory and of high quality life. Therefore the members of the health team especially the nurses who take part in all stages of treatment and care must give holistic attention. The consultancy and training which is given beside psychotherapy and reconstructive surgery options, will help coping with psychological and psychosocial problems of people and will increase the life standarts.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• patient education
• reconstructive surgery
• quality of life