乳がん患者のアピアランスについての認識とケアニーズ

The purpose of this study was to clarify breast cancer patients’ perceptions of appearance and support. An anonymous self-administered survey was performed on 100 female breast cancer outpatients at five facilities in Tottori Prefecture. The survey included: 1） painfulness from the change in appearance, 2） impact on continuing treatment, work, and personal relationships, 3） need for coping and care, 4） readiness for coping and care, and 5） desire for information about coping and care. The results showed that most of the subjects recognized that the change in appearance was unavoidable. On the other hand, they also recognized that the way other people looked at them was the most painful thing and affected their relationships; they needed coping skills and care. Therefore, they wanted to be informed and prepared from the time the treatment plan was decided. Friends and acquaintances were not the target of their expectations as informants, and they expected nurses to play that role. Nurses are expected to play a role as supporters to help breast cancer patients rebuild their sense of self-worth and lead a peaceful life.