Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Body Image
Mbamba Lufumbu Constant, Ozowa Latem Josué, Kisaka Mwimbilwa Hannael
29 June 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 899-904
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29
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What is this article about?
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.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 29 June 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 899-904
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
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.
Keywords: Impact, Mastectomy, Body Image, Breast Cancer, Women’s Mental Health.
Cite this article
Mbamba Lufumbu Constant, Ozowa Latem Josué, & Kisaka Mwimbilwa Hannael (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{Mbamba2026,
title = {The Impact of Mastectomy on Women’s Body Image},
author = {Mbamba Lufumbu Constant and Ozowa Latem Josué and Kisaka Mwimbilwa Hannael},
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}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Mbamba Lufumbu Constant, Ozowa Latem Josué, Kisaka Mwimbilwa Hannael.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 6, pages 899-904, published by EP Journals Group on 29 June 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-29).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Mbamba Lufumbu Constant, Ozowa Latem Josué, & Kisaka Mwimbilwa Hannael (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
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