Women with breast cancer living with one breast after a mastectomy

Aim: To explore the impact of mastectomy on body image women with breast cancer. Design: A qualitative study a phenomenological approach. Methods: Thirty (n = 30) post-mastectomy cancer were obtained through purposive sampling technique. Data collected using in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews to experiences participants meanings they attribute them. The data was analysed Van Manen method help NVivo 12 software. Results: Three main themes identified in this study: “breast meaning”, “self-concept”, coping strategies for after mastectomy. Breasts are interpreted as a symbol female status that reflects femininity attractiveness. Mastectomy can cause changes appearance, which affect women’s image, self-concept, social interaction. Emotional intensive problem-solving used by Conclusion: synonymous femininity, beauty, Therefore, many feel have lost their self-confidence losing breasts due