Avaliação da autoestima de mulheres submetidas a mastectomia total: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer can have an impact on women’s self-esteem, triggered by the fear of losing a symbol of femininity and sexuality. Objectives: To assess self-esteem in a group of women who underwent total mastectomy, with or without lymphadenectomy, at least six months without prior chemotherapy treatment, in a teaching hospital located in the Triângulo Mineiro region. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, based on the application of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire prepared by the author, to patients over 18 years old who underwent total mastectomy at least six months earlier and who had not yet started chemotherapy treatment. Results showed that, although many women who underwent mastectomy maintain satisfactory levels of self-esteem, the process of illness and treatment is marked by significant emotional challenges. Conclusion: This reinforces the importance of integrated and humanized interventions aimed at strengthening self-esteem and promoting mental health, going beyond the biomedical dimension of care for women with breast cancer.