ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the key psychosocial aspects of breast reconstruction, particularly whether it addresses the psychological distress associated with mastectomy, how women can be helped to make decisions about surgery that are best for them, and how psychosocial issues can be incorporated into care throughout the patient pathway. Breast reconstruction aims to improve quality of life and body image, and reduce the distress and negative psychosocial impact associated with mastectomy. Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer is an emotional and life-changing event for many patients. Many describe feeling that they have lost control of their future, are surrounded by uncertainty and worry about the impact that the diagnosis will have on themselves and others, with a sense that their body has let them down. Women elect for breast reconstruction for many varied reasons. Breast reconstruction requires patients to manage several changes to their body.
