Psychological Factors in Postmastectomy Adjustment

This study examined various psychological factors associated with cancer and its treatment in women. 10 mastectomy patients were compared with 6 gynecological cancer and 5 breast biopsy patients to measure changes in body image, depression, and over-all adjustment over a 2-mo. period. Analysis indicated significantly more severe depression among the gynecologic oncological patients when compared with the other two groups. These patients also showed significantly poorer body image. No significant differences between groups in over-all adjustment were found.