Yale Cancer Center researchers at Yale School of Medicine have taken a significant step towards understanding the unique experiences of women of color living flat without breast reconstruction after a mastectomy (surgery). Their new study titled, "Living Flat: Stories from Women of Color After Mastectomy," published in Annals of Surgical Oncology on October 15, explains how cultural factors, spirituality, and personal beliefs play an important role in the lives of women of color after mastectomies. In the paper, the authors say that "persistent racial and ethnic disparities remain in receipt of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction for breast cancer .
" Historically, patient-reported outcomes and advocacy efforts around "living flat" have ultimately focused on white women. The study aimed to better understand the personal outcomes and support systems for women of color. The research involved women aged 18 and older who had undergone a mastectomy without breast reconstruction .
Through a carefully designed interview process- including engagement from community members as part of the research team- and detailed questionnaires, the researchers gathered data on the sociodemographic and health backgrounds of the participants. The study involved 20 women, with the majority identifying as Black (60%), followed by Asian (20%), multiracial (10%), Latina (5%), and white (5%). The findings highlighted several key elements that were discussed by the study participants, including cancer st.