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The impact of mastectomy on Iranian women sexuality and body image: a systematic review of qualitative studies

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Abstract

Purpose

Mastectomy in women is perceived as losing feminine identity and reducing sexual attraction. The aim of this review is to explore the perception and impacts of mastectomy on Iranian women with breast cancer on their sexuality and body image.

Methods

The review used a systematic literature search that followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (via the EBSCOhost) were systematically searched. Quality appraisal, data extraction, and findings from the included studies were pooled using meta-aggregation with the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI).

Results

Eight studies involving 163 women aged from 31 to 65 years, who had mastectomy, were included. A total of 31 findings were extracted and were aggregated into 4 categories and then further grouped into two synthesized findings: (1) fear of losing spouse’s sexual monopoly and (2) overcoming the challenges of losing femininity.

Conclusions

This review found even in Muslim countries such as Iran women’s breasts are perceived as sexually attractive, and changes in body shape can lead to subsequent challenges in marital relationships.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Ghaffari Avenue, Birjand, Iran

    Samaneh Alinejad Mofrad

  2. School of Nursing | Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Building 41, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia

    Ritin Fernandez

  3. Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, Level 1, Research and Education Building, 4-10 South Street, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia

    Heidi Lord

  4. School of Nursing | Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong | South Western Sydney Campus, 33 Moore St, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia

    Ibrahim Alananzeh

Authors
  1. Samaneh Alinejad Mofrad
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  2. Ritin Fernandez
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  4. Ibrahim Alananzeh
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Contributions

Study design: IA, SAM

Data collection: SAM

Data analysis: RF, HL

Study supervision: IA

Manuscript writing: SAM, HL

Critical revisions for important intellectual content: SAM, RF, HL.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samaneh Alinejad Mofrad.

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Implications for cancer survivors

Strategies to provide women with the opportunity to voice their sexual problems and create consultation and rehabilitation plans for survivors with mastectomy are urgently needed. Addressing these concerns and priorities among women may facilitate informed decisions and improve satisfaction and outcomes among couples.

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Alinejad Mofrad, S., Fernandez, R., Lord, H. et al. The impact of mastectomy on Iranian women sexuality and body image: a systematic review of qualitative studies. Support Care Cancer 29, 5571–5580 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06153-5

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