Screening for those at risk for anxiety and depression warranting further clinical evaluation among patients presenting to breast services: a single-centre, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Studies show that anxiety and depression are widespread across patients presenting to outpatient services for medical illnesses. We expect similar or even higher prevalence in patients with breast complaints owing to the relevance of breasts in terms of sexuality, identity and confidence. Thus, this study was proposed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for being at risk for anxiety and depression in patients seeking breast services. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai, Western India. PARTICIPANTS: Patients seeking breast services for either benign or malignant conditions. OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of those at risk for clinical depression (defined as a score of ≥10 on Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and proportion of those at risk for clinical anxiety warranting further clinical evaluation (defined as a score of ≥10 on Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and their predictors. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients were screened, and 192 consenting patients were enrolled. The prevalence of those at risk for anxiety requiring further clinical evaluation was 46.4% (95% CI 39.2% to 53.7%) and for those at risk for major depression that warrants further clinical evaluation by a mental health provider was 29.7% (95% CI 23.3% to 36.7%). The predictors of anxiety were age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.053; 95% CI 1.024 to 1.083; p<0.001) and postmenopausal status (aOR 2.475; 95% CI 1.200 to 5.103; p=0.014). The predictors of depression were age (aOR 0.954; 95% CI 1.927 to 0.981; p=0.001) and rural place of residence (aOR 2.362; 95% CI 1.023 to 5.433; p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of being at risk for anxiety and depression among patients who seek breast services warranting further clinical evaluation. The predictors of being at risk for anxiety were higher age and postmenopausal status, and for those at risk for depression were young age and residing in rural areas.

Real-world reference scores for EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 in early breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To deliver patient-reported outcome (PRO) reference data for breast cancer and various other breast diseases to facilitate the interpretation of PRO scores during routine breast cancer treatment. METHODS: To determine reference baseline values for the PRO measures EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23, PRO data captured in the breast cancer centre at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin from 2016 to 2021 were evaluated. As part of the clinical routine, ambulatory patients were asked to answer a digital survey regarding their medical history, current health status and health-related quality of life using the aforementioned questionnaires prior to their doctor's appointment in the outpatient breast clinic. Adjusted linear and variable dispersion beta regression models were used to compare different diagnosis groups. RESULTS: A total of 3689 patients were included in the digital PRO program, of which 1478 were eligible for this study; 729 had invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, 270 patients were diagnosed with fibroadenoma and 479 patients had other breast diseases such as cysts, mastopathy or abscesses. Overall, patients with breast cancer reported worse scores in almost all domains except for role functioning, sexual functioning and body image. Compared to previously published reference scores for early breast cancer, the current data show a more pronounced impact on perceived emotional and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are of high value for the interpretation of PROs and facilitate their use in clinical practice and clinical trials. The scores indicate an urgent need for psychosocial support prior to treatment.

Prevalence and correlates of hopelessness in Tunisian women with benign breast disease and breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is limited research suggesting that women with Benign Breast Disease (BBD) experience psychological distress similar to breast cancer (BC) women. We aimed to examine hopelessness and its related factors in BC and BBD women. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. The Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered to 51 BBD and 52 BC women. RESULTS: BC women had higher hopelessness scores as compared to those with BBD (6.9 ± 4.8 vs. 4.9 ± 3.6; p = .018). After controlling for confounding variables, depression and suicidal ideation/behavior were significantly associated with hopelessness in the BBD group, while only a lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher hopelessness scores in the BC group. CONCLUSION: We found that not only BC but also BBD lead to a psychological burden. Early detection and handling of hopeless feelings and thoughts that may arise in this population are recommended.

The Association of Occupational Stress and Depressive Symptoms among Employed Persons with Benign Breast Disease: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and occupational stress, and the possibility of psychological capital (PsyCap) in alleviating depressive symptoms and occupational stress, we investigated the mediating role of PsyCap on the association between depressive symptoms and occupational stress among employed persons with benign breast disease (BBD) diagnosed by using ultrasonography. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 371 employed persons with BBD. Self-administered questionnaires, including the items of depressive symptoms, occupational stress, the 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire, as well as the age, education, marital status, occupation, monthly income, and weekly working hours, were obtained from all patients. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure the depressive symptoms, an effort-reward imbalance model was used to assess occupational stress, while 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire measurements were used to measure the PsyCap. Baron and Kenny's technique was used to test the mediating effect of PsyCap. RESULTS: In total, 62% of employed persons with BBD had scores equal to or above the cutoff point (CES-D ≥16). Overcommitment was not significantly correlated with PsyCap (r = -0.096, p = 0.066). Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with the effort-reward ratio (ERR) (ß = 0.327, p < 0.001) in model 2, and it was negatively correlated with PsyCap (ß = -0.339, p < 0.001) in model 3. PsyCap associated with ERR mediated the depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the medical intervention, the management of depressive symptoms and decrease in occupational stress should be considered to alleviate the depressive symptoms associated with employed persons with BBD. PsyCap is an active resource for relieving depressive symptoms and reducing occupational stress in persons with BBD.

Psychosocial stress is associated with benign breast disease in young Chinese women: results from Project ELEFANT.

PURPOSE: Psychosocial stress, including bereavement and work-related stress, is associated with the risk of breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether it may also be linked with increased risk of benign breast disease (BBD). METHODS: Our study leveraged 61,907 women aged 17-55 years old from the Project ELEFANT study. BBD was diagnosed by clinician. Self-reported data on psychosocial stress over a 10-year period was retrospectively collected from questionnaires and categorised by cause (work, social and economic) and severity (none, low and high). Odd ratios (ORs) for the development of BBD were estimated using logistic regression. The model was adjusted for age, BMI, TSH levels, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, age of menarche, oral contraceptive usage, education and occupation. RESULTS: Within our study, 8% (4,914) of participants were diagnosed with BBD. Work-related stress [OR 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-1.69] and financial stress (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24-1.44) were significantly associated with BBD incidence, with a smaller but still significant association with social stress (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.21). The associations remained significant after exclusion of participants with first- and second-degree family history of breast disease. The presence of multiple forms of stress did not synergistically increase risk. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation and prognostic marker for breast cancer, was not associated with BBD. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial stress, particularly work-related and financial stress, is associated with increased risk of benign breast disease among young Chinese women.

Relational autonomy in breast diseases care: a qualitative study of contextual and social conditions of patients' capacity for decision-making.

BACKGROUND: A relational approach to autonomy refers to the way in which social conditions and relationships shape a person's self-identity and capacity in decision-making. This article provides an empirical account of how treatment choices for women undergoing breast diseases care are fostered within the dynamics of their relationships with clinicians, family members, and other aspects of their social environment. METHODS: This qualitative study recruited ten women undergoing treatment at a breast programme, and eight clinicians supporting their care, in a private teaching hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Fourteen patient-clinician consultation observations and 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Schema analysis of interview transcripts were undertaken by a team of researchers and corroborated by observational fieldnotes. RESULTS: Relational identities of patients influenced the rationale for treatment decision-making. Patients drew on supportive resources from family and medical advice from clinicians to progress with treatment goals. While clinicians held much social power over patients as the medical experts, patients highlighted the need for clinicians to earn their trust through demonstrated professionalism. Information exchange created a communicative space for clinicians and patients to negotiate shared values, promoting greater patient ownership of treatment decisions. As treatment progressed, patients' personal experiences of illness and treatment became a source of self-reflection, with a transformative impact on self-confidence and assertiveness. CONCLUSION: Patients' confidence and self-trust can be fostered by opportunities for communicative engagement and self-reflection over the course of treatment in breast disease, and better integration of their self-identity and social values in treatment decisions.

What does a breast feel like? A qualitative study among healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Restoring the body as normal as possible increases quality of life. Aesthetically, almost perfect breast reconstructions can be created. However, these reconstructed breasts have almost no sensation. Our hypothesis is that if we succeed in restoring sensation, this will increase quality of life. So far, little is written about the phenomenon of breast sensation, which makes it difficult to evaluate whether the quality of life increases after restored sensation. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to determine what the importance and meaning is of breast sensation among healthy women. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was performed in an academic hospital between October 2016 and March 2017. A total of 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in healthy women who did not undergo prior breast surgery. The sample size was based upon 'saturation'. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed according to phenomenology keeping in mind the research question 'what is the importance and meaning of sensation of the breast?' RESULTS: Seven interrelated themes on how sensation of the breast is experienced were found: the absent breast (1), the present breast (2), the well-functioning breast (2a), the feminine breast (2b), the sensual breast (2c), the alien breast (2d), the safe breast (2d). CONCLUSIONS: The seven interrelated themes can form the basis to develop a quantitative research tool to evaluate quality of life after innervated breast reconstruction and can be implemented in counselling before breast reconstructive surgery in the form of shared treatment decisions.

Evaluation of anatomical and round breast implant aesthetics and preferences in Dutch young lay and plastic surgeon cohort.

BACKGROUND: Literature remains inconclusive on the attractiveness and natural aspect of anatomical breast implants, and thus far, studies have failed to demonstrate the visible difference in implants that are in practice compared to those that are round. This study was undertaken to evaluate (1) whether lay and professional participants can distinguish between breasts augmented with either round or anatomical breast implants and (2) their opinion with regard to naturalness and attractiveness of these augmented breasts. METHODS: Twenty breast augmentations (10 anatomical and 10 round implants), each depicted by two postoperative pictures, were scored by 100 lay participants and 15 plastic surgeons. Implant volume ranged from 275 to 400 g. Ptotic or malformed breasts were excluded. Finally, they had to score the most natural, unnatural, attractive, and unattractive breast shapes on a schematic depiction of breast types with varying upper poles. RESULTS: The rate of correct implant identifications was 74.0% (1480/2000 observations, p < 0.001) in the lay and 67.3% (202/300 observations, p < 0.001) in the surgeon cohort. Breasts with anatomical implants were rated as significantly more natural (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.0, p < 0.001 and 3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.001, respectively) and more attractive (3.1 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.0, p < 0.001 and 3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001, respectively) versus round implants by both lay participants and surgeons. Participants preferred breasts with a neutral or slightly negative upper pole contour. CONCLUSION: Participants were able to distinguish between the results achieved with either anatomical or round textured Allergan breast implants and found augmented breasts with the anatomical implants more natural and attractive.

Sexual function, anxiety and depression in women with benign breast disease. A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent, affecting 40% of the female population. The incidence of such dysfunction is known to be higher among women with malignant breast disease and in patients with depression or anxiety. However, there are few data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with benign breast disease (BBD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety among women with BBD, in comparison with that observed for healthy women. METHOD: We evaluated the incidence of sexual dysfunction in 60 patients with benign breast disease (fibroadenomas, breast cysts, breast pain and phyllodes tumor) and 69 healthy women (control group). Participants completed the Sexual Quotient Questionnaire for Females (SQQ-F), the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis revealed that depression and anxiety were comparable between BBD and control groups (10.3 vs. 20.3% and 38.7 vs. 34.3%, respectively, p>0.05). The mean SQQ-F score (65.6±22.7 vs. 70.1±16.8; p>0.05) and sexual dysfunction (33.3 vs. 25.4%; p=0.324) were similar between BBD and control groups. CONCLUSION: We found no differences between women with BBD and healthy women in terms of the incidence of sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, given the high prevalence of this condition, it is important to assess sexual quality of life, as well as overall quality of life, in women with BBD.

Sexual function, anxiety and depression in women with benign breast disease. A case-control study / Disfunção sexual, ansiedade e depressão em mulheres com câncer de mama benigno. Um estudo de caso-controle

Summary Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent, affecting 40% of the female population. The incidence of such dysfunction is known to be higher among women with malignant breast disease and in patients with depression or anxiety. However, there are few data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with benign breast disease (BBD). Objective: To evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety among women with BBD, in comparison with that observed for healthy women. Method: We evaluated the incidence of sexual dysfunction in 60 patients with benign breast disease (fibroadenomas, breast cysts, breast pain and phyllodes tumor) and 69 healthy women (control group). Participants completed the Sexual Quotient Questionnaire for Females (SQQ-F), the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis revealed that depression and anxiety were comparable between BBD and control groups (10.3 vs. 20.3% and 38.7 vs. 34.3%, respectively, p>0.05). The mean SQQ-F score (65.6±22.7 vs. 70.1±16.8; p>0.05) and sexual dysfunction (33.3 vs. 25.4%; p=0.324) were similar between BBD and control groups. Conclusion: We found no differences between women with BBD and healthy women in terms of the incidence of sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, given the high prevalence of this condition, it is important to assess sexual quality of life, as well as overall quality of life, in women with BBD.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção sexual é altamente prevalente, afetando 40% da população feminina. A incidência de tal disfunção é conhecida por ser maior entre as mulheres com câncer de mama e pacientes com ansiedade e depressão. No entanto, existem poucos dados sobre a prevalência de disfunção sexual entre mulheres com doença benigna da mama (BBD). Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de disfunção sexual, depressão e ansiedade em mulheres com BBD, em comparação a mulheres saudáveis. Método: Avaliamos a incidência de disfunção sexual em 60 pacientes com doença benigna da mama (fibroadenomas, cistos mamários, dor mamária e tumor phyllodes) e 69 mulheres saudáveis (grupo controle). As participantes completaram o Questionário de Quociente Sexual para Mulheres (SQQ-F), o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. A análise estatística revelou que a depressão e a ansiedade eram comparáveis entre os grupos BBD e controle (10,3 vs. 20,3% e 38,7 vs. 34,3%, respectivamente, p>0,05). O escore médio de SQQ-F (65,6±22,7 vs. 70,1±16,8; p>0,05) e a disfunção sexual (33,3 vs. 25,4%; p=0,324) foram semelhantes entre os grupos BBD e controle. Conclusão: Não encontramos diferenças entre mulheres com BBD e mulheres saudáveis em termos de incidência de disfunção sexual, ansiedade e depressão. No entanto, dada a alta prevalência dessa condição, é importante avaliar a qualidade de vida sexual, bem como a qualidade de vida global, em mulheres com BBD.

Impacto de la reducción mamaria en la salud autopercibida en pacientes con macromastia / Impact of breast reduction in self-perceived health by patients with macromastia

Objetivo: valorar la evolución a corto plazo de parámetros psicosociales y clínicos de mujeres con macromastia tras la reducción mamaria. Metodología: estudio observacional prospectivo en mujeres con macromastia tras la reducción mamaria atendidas en el Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Bless de Zaragoza. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, parámetros psicosociales y de calidad de vida. La información se recogió en dos momentos, antes de la intervención (momento basal) y al mes de la misma, a través de varios cuestionarios: identificación de síntomas específicos de la macromastia, calidad de vida mediante cuestionario de salud SF-36, estados de ansiedad y de depresión mediante el instrumento HADS, y la subescala de insatisfacción corporal del EDI-2. Para estimar si hubo cambios en el estado de las pacientes se compararon los resultados de las escalas pre y postoperatorias mediante el test no paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Resultados: participaron 20 mujeres en el estudio. La media de edad de 39,8 años (desviación estándar 11,11). La media del tejido extirpado fue 1.794 g (rango 477-3.000 g). la estancia media hospitalaria fue de 3,1 días (rango 1-7 días). Al mes de la reducción mamaria se observó una mejoría significativa del estado de ansiedad (p<0,0001) y de depresión (p=0,016), así como del dolor en hombros y espalda (p<0,0001). La salud mental de las mujeres mejoró significativamente después de la cirugía. El 90% se mostró satisfecha con los resultados de la intervención, y el 95% manifestó que le gustaban sus pechos después de la cirugía. Conclusiones: la macromastia afecta negativamente a la calidad de vida de las mujeres que la padecen. La reducción mamaria produce una mejoría significativa en un corto plazo de tiempo, tanto en los síntomas físicos como en los aspectos psíquicos (AU)

Objectives: to assess the evolution at short term of psychosocial and clinical parameters in women with macromastia after breast reduction. Methodology: an observational prospective study in women with macromastia after breast reduction managed in the Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, in Zaragoza. Sociodemographical and clinical data were collected, as well as psychosocial and quality of life parameters. This information was collected at two time points: before the procedure (baseline) and at one month after the procedure, through different questionnaires: identification of specific symptoms of macromastia, quality of life through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire, anxiety and depression through the HADS tool, and the Body Dissastisfaction sub-scale in EDI-2. In order to estimate if there were changes in patient status, the scale outcomes before and after the surgical procedure were compared through Non-parametric Wilcoxon Test. Results: twenty (20) women were included in the study. Their mean age was 39.8 years (standard deviation: 11.11). The mean tissue removed was 39.8 years (standard deviation: 11.11). The mena tissue removed was 1,794 g (477-3.000 g range). The mean hospital stay was 3.1 days (1-7 days range). At one month of breast reduction, a significant improvement was observed in the level of anxiety (p< 0.001) and depression (p= 0.016), as well as in shoulder and back pain (p< 0.0001). There was a significant improvement in the mental health of women after surgery; 90% were satisfied with the surgical procedure outcomes, and 95% stated that they liked their breasts after surgery. Conclusions: macromastia has a negative impact on the quality of life of those women who suffer it. Breast reduction causes a significant improvement at short term, both in physical symptoms and in psychological aspects (AU)

Beck Depression Inventory as a Predictor of Long-term Outcome Among Patients Admitted to the Breast Cancer Diagnosis Unit: A 25-year Cohort Study in Finland.

AIM: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring the severity of depression. However, there has been no prospective study to investigate the long-term outcome in patients admitted to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Units. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the Kuopio Breast Cancer Study, women with breast symptoms were evaluated for total BDI score before any diagnostic procedures were carried out. The relapse-free survival (RFS) was calculated from the time of diagnosis to the time of first relapse including local relapse, contralateral breast cancer (BC) or metastatic disease. The overall survival (OS) was assessed as the time from the date of diagnosis to the date of last follow-up or death of the patient. The effect of the BDI on the RFS and on the OS were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the difference between the groups was assessed by the log-rank test. The RFS and OS was estimated for the study groups with a low BDI score (<8) versus those with a high BDI score (≥8). The end-point of our study was to determine differences in long-term outcome and in BDI score in individuals with BC, benign breast disease (BBD) and in healthy study subjects (HSS). RESULTS: In the Cox proportional hazard model, the total BDI score significantly predicted the 25-year RFS and OS in the HSS, BBD and BC groups combined (Hazard Ratio=1.87, p=0.039; Hazard Ratio=1.98, p=0.048, respectively), and in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test, the total BDI score predicted the 25-year RFS and OS in the HSS, BBD and BC groups combined (p=0.043; p=0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: The BDI is a significant predictor of long-term outcome among patients admitted to the Breast Cancer Diagnosis Unit in Finland.

Accessory Axillary Breast Excision with Liposuction Using Minimal Incision: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Accessory breasts have received little attention in the surgical fields, although the condition is quite common in the female population, with 2-6% of women suffering from it. Its convexity and cyclic pain make women feel embarrassed and uncomfortable, so patients often desire surgical excision to improve their appearances and to remove the pain. METHODS: A total of 967 patients who had been treated by an excision of accessory breast tissue with liposuction using minimal incision from September 2013 to Dec 2015 at the Damsoyu Hospital were analyzed for clinical factors retrospectively. RESULTS: All 967 patients were female. There were 514 (53.2%) unmarried patients and 453 (46.8%) married patients. The major clinical manifestation was the problem in the appearance with cyclic pain in both unmarried and married groups (82.7 vs. 87.9%). Three types of accessory breasts were observed: 779 (80.6%) breast tissue only in axillae, 182 (18.8%) breast tissue with accessory nipple, and 6 (0.6%) breast tissue with accessory nipple-areolar complex. The mean operation time was 58 min. All cyclic axillar pain in our cases was resolved after the operation. Postoperative complications developed in 160 patients (16.55%). Among them, seroma after operation was the most common (11.27%). In our study, 95.65% of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical excision of accessory breasts with liposuction through the minimal incision is a safe and effective method to make women feel comfortable in clinical manifestations and be satisfied with their cosmetic axillar line. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

["SOS SEIN 84" accelerated breast disease management: Patients satisfaction survey]. / « SOS SEIN 84 ¼ prise en charge rapide en pathologie mammaire : enquête de satisfaction des consultantes.

In case of a new breast symptom or an abnormal result of breast imaging, some women have a problem finding a quick answer to allay their anxiety. The Institut Sainte-Catherine in Avignon has set up a new form of accelerated disease management through the opening of a new dedicated consultation called SOS SEIN 84. We present the result of a prospective quality study of our first new patients.

[The Continued Breastfeeding Experiences of Women Who Suffer From Breast Abscess].

BACKGROUND: Up to 11% of women with mastitis develop a breast abscess, which obviously affects breastfeeding. Therefore, this is a potentially significant issue for women's health. Women with breast abscesses suffer from severe pain. Pain is the most significant factor causing the termination of breastfeeding. The experience of women with breast abscesses who continued to breastfeed may provide valuable insights/guidance to women who are currently in the same or similar situations. PURPOSE: This study explores the continuous breastfeeding experience of women with breast abscesses. METHODS: We collected qualitative data from 10 qualified female participants using 60-90 minute, in-depth interviews that were conducted between April 2012 and June 2012 in a central medical center. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to analyze and categorize the major themes. RESULTS: Results were generalized into the following seven themes: (1) experiencing uncomfortable breast pain; (2) feeling helpless to manage the abnormal breast symptoms; (3) relying on the concept of motherhood to support continued breastfeeding; (4) feeling shocked about the process of diagnosis and treatment; (5) facing the doubts and difficulties regarding continuing to breastfeed; (6) experiencing the assistance of the support system for breastfeeding; (7) returning to a normal pattern of life. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings provide nurses with a deeper understanding of the biological and psychological behaviors and social support system experiences of women with breast abscesses who continue to breastfeed. Study results may serve as a reference for nurses in providing mother-centered breastfeeding care.