How immediate vs. delayed symmetrisation surgery affects quality of life for breast cancer survivors

A2002667

Breast cancer affects 55,000 women annually in the UK and there have been significant improvements in disease-free survival. However, survivorship issues, including treatment-related side effects, can impact quality of life. Women with large volume breast cancers often undergo surgery that results in significant size differences between breasts, affecting bra-wear, weight distribution, and clothing fit, which can considerably impact quality of life.

Symmetrisation surgery is often offered to address these issues and can be performed either immediately during the cancer operation or as a delayed procedure. Immediate symmetrisation involves significant decision-making at the time of diagnosis and greater surgical stress due to bilateral surgery. Additionally, radiotherapy may affect the achieved symmetry. Delayed surgery leaves women asymmetrical for an uncertain period, impacting body image and requiring additional time off work.

This study aims to explore the quality-of-life experiences of women following immediate or delayed breast symmetrisation after cancer surgery. By collecting patient views, the study seeks to identify any perceived differences in quality of life between the two methods. Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent either immediate or delayed symmetrisation surgery will be invited to participate in an interview, lasting up to one hour.

Lead Researcher	Dr Emma MacInnes Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Co-Researchers	Dr Sue Hartup Nurse Research Fellow, Clare Young Research Assistant
Host Organisation/CSU	Oncology Leeds teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£7,829
Start Date	01/01/2024
Estimated Duration	11 months
Impact Areas	Health Inequalities – Cancer Care
Tags/key notes	Cancer and Neoplasms