Acceptance of cancer by women after mastectomy in Western Pomerania region – preliminary studies

Background. Breast cancer is the most common cancer that women can suffer from. Most often it develops between 50 and 80 year of life. Many women adapt to the new situation, but a large group cannot adapt and reconcile with the disease. The bigger acceptation of a disease, the better adaptation and smaller feeling of discomfort.

Objectives. The aim of this thesis was to check the degree of acceptance of cancer among women after mastectomy.

Material and methods. The study was conducted among 60 women after mastectomy in Western Pomerania. The study was entirely voluntary and anonymous, the authors obtained the written, informed consent from each person to participate in the studies and each person was informed of the aim. The study used an anonymous questionnaire containing questions about demographics and The Scale of Disease Acceptance in adaptation of Z. Juczyński. The study was made after acceptance of Bioethics Commission of Westpomeranian Medical University, getting number KB-0012/97/14.

Results. The average age of women is 62.3 years. 25 (42%) of the women received a high level of acceptance of the disease, 18 (30%) the average, and 17 (28%) of women low level of acceptance. 22 (37%) of the respondents have no problem adapting to the limitations imposed by the disease. 24 (40%) women feel needed, 30 (50%) of respondents believe that they are not a problem to family and friends. 19 (32%) amazons feel a full-fledged human being despite the illness.

Conclusions. Analysis of the research material revealed that nearly half of the respondents achieved a high level of acceptance of the disease, which creates a sense of security and control over their lives.