Exploring younger women's experiences of electing to not undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy following breast cancer.

Within the psychological and medical literature, publications have tended to focus either on the body image/esteem of women who have opted for breast reconstruction, the cosmetic outcomes that they perceive, or immediate versus delayed reconstruction.The decision to undergo/not undergo breast reconstruction has been absent in the literature, although it is recognised that there are many psychological implications for women who are treated for breast cancer and who undergo mastectomies. This research project aims to explore this gap and understand the lived experiences of women who do not reconstruct with particular interest in their decision making process, the maintenance of this decision over time,  and also with their relationship with their bodies.

We've published one paper exploring younger women's experiences of deciding against delayed breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer. You can find details of the publication here. Other publications, focusing on the role of significant others and the impact of deciding against reconstruction on identity are currently submitted for publication and will be added to the page when they are publicly available. 

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