Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Body Image

Constant, Mbamba Lufumbu, Josué, Ozowa Latem, Hannael, Kisaka Mwimbilwa

29 June 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 899-904

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted with three women who underwent mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment. Using clinical interviews and the Machover Projective Drawing Test, the findings revealed that the participants experienced significant difficulties in accepting their post-surgical bodies. The loss of a breast was associated with persistent feelings of anxiety, guilt, sadness, and emotional distress. For many of these women, mastectomy was not merely a medical procedure but an existential crisis that profoundly affected their sense of identity, femininity, and self-worth. The study also found that these psychological challenges negatively influenced their interpersonal and marital relationships. The findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support in helping women reconstruct a positive body image following mastectomy.

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Constant, Mbamba Lufumbu, Josué, Ozowa Latem, Hannael, & Kisaka Mwimbilwa (2026). The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Body Image. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(6), 899-904. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29

@article{Constant2026,
  title   = {The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Body Image},
  author  = {Constant and Mbamba Lufumbu and Josué and Ozowa Latem and Hannael and Kisaka Mwimbilwa},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {6},
  pages   = {899-904},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29}
}

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