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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1990

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Evelyn Peterson

Keywords

breast cancer treatment, psychological aspects of breast cancer, nursing and breast cancer

Abstract

This descriptive study investigated women’s perceptions of treatment choice and counseling for early breast cancer. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Subjects were women who had mastectomies. Eighty questionnaires were mailed and forty were returned and utilized in the study analysis. Frequencies and percent ages were used to analyze the data.
The objectives of the study were:
1. Review the literature.
2. Identify if subjects perceived mastectomy as the correct and best answer in all breast cancer cases.
3. Identify subject's perceptions concerning conservative treatment.
4. Identify if subjects believe they were given sufficient information about their condition, and various methods that exist to treat cancer, before the treatment is carried out.
5. Identify subject's perceptions towards participation with her physician in the treatment choice.
6. Identify perceptions to treatment choices and counseling of patients who have experience a mastectomy.
7. Analyze the data.
Of the women surveyed 18 did not believe mastectomy was the best treatment for early breast cancer. Seventeen women reported a belief that conservative treatment was best if diagnosis of breast cancer was made at a early stage of the disease. Twenty five of the subjects reported they were given sufficient information regarding their condition and methods to treat it. All respondents reported yes that a patient should participate with her physician in the decision making process. Twenty six of the respondents reported the need for counseling availability after treatment was completed to help with adaptation to a new life style.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment
Breast -- Cancer -- Psychological aspects
Breast -- Cancer -- Nursing

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

80

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1990 Phyllis Kertzman. All rights reserved

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