The importance of family in functional adaptation of women after radical surgical treatment for breast cancer

Introduction. Family constitutes that social group which shapes significantly the lifestyle of its members, their attitudes towards health and
illness and the ways of dealing with different health problems.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the value of family in functional adaptation of women after radical treatment for breast cancer.

Material and methods. The tested group (n = 217) consisted of patients after radical surgical treatment for breast cancer. The basic instrument
of measurement is Functional Assessment Therapy Scale – Breast (FACT-B) by D.F. Cella.

Results and conclusions. About sixty-nine percentage (68.7%) of respondents showed the family as a significant source of support. Similar
percentage of respondents (69.1%) gave maximum number of points to the “acceptance of the illness within the family” category. The aspect
assessed as lowest was sexual life for which 49.4% of patients expressed their discontent. Satisfaction from functioning in the sphere of
family and social life correlates positively with the following spheres of respondents’ lives: emotional state (r_s = 0.26; p < 0.0001), functioning
in everyday life (r_s = 0.39; p < 0.0001), complaints specific to breast cancer (r_s = 0.31; p < 0.0001). No significant relationship between the
analysed sphere and physical condition was found (r_s = 0.13; p > 0.05). The research shows the significant role of family in functional
adaptation of women after radical treatment for breast cancer. Satisfaction of respondents in the sphere of family life influences favourably
their emotional state, functional abilities in everyday life as well as soothes complaints specific to breast cancer.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (3): 372–377