22/10/2023
AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH SURVEY - POST MASTECTOMY EXPERIENCES
Are you an Australian resident who has undergone a single or double mastectomy without reconstructing your breast/s?
Were you offered aesthetic flat closure as an equally valid option alongside reconstruction?
What is the comparison between your body confidence now, compared to how you felt before your mastectomy?
What were some comments you received from others when you decided not to choose breast reconstruction?
These are some of the questions asked in an Australian research study investigating breast surgery options, outcomes and resources offered to women who undergo mastectomy for cancer or risk reducing reasons.
This week I spoke with a former patient of mine, Sunshine Coast breast cancer survivor and flat advocate Joanna Atzori, who is one of three advocates spearheading the study through Flinders University.
Data from the study will inform advocacy efforts in this space and ensure future generations who undergo mastectomy in Australia are presented with chest-inclusive surgery options.
Eighteen months after her right breast was removed following cancer diagnosis, Joanna’s breast surgeon was supportive of her decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy of her left breast and stay “flat”. Regrettably not all women who undergo mastectomy receive this same level of understanding from their healthcare team, and some even feel pressured into having reconstructive breast surgery.
The national study into flat life after mastectomy was the brainchild of flat advocates Robyn Smith (Canberra), Melanie Law (Central Coast NSW) and Joanna who each have lived experience of flat reconstruction due to breast cancer diagnosis or hereditary breast cancer risk (BRCA gene mutation).
Supporting the study are Dr Fiona Crawford-Williams, Flinders University, and Dr Kirsty Seward, behavior change scientist and body image coach.
Contributions to the Flinders University survey are anonymous, information is confidential, and data will be deidentified. The survey is open to Australian residents and will close in February 2024. This project is supported by Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute, and has received ethical approval (HEL6305-2).
More information about the study is available on Joanna’s page at https://www.facebook.com/.../pfbid027ubyymBUDktkQCQi4Qshe....
Questions or requests for information can be directed to programs@pinkhope.org.au
Australian residents can complete the survey online at https://tinyurl.com/4m77z99e.
**Important Note: This study is only open to AUSTRALIAN residents**
Flat Advocates Australia (a collaboration of flat awareness organisations) is seeking feedback from people who have had a mastectomy (uni or bi lateral) and who live life as a flat person. The intent of collecting this information is to get a better understanding of the flat community, the challenge...
