Women's views and experience of mesh breast surgery

Background

Breast cancer is common; 55,000 women are diagnosed in the UK per year. Over 40% of women needing surgery require mastectomy and are offered breast reconstruction with an implant. A further group of women choose to have prophylactic mastectomies with reconstruction if they carry a breast cancer promoting genetic mutation.

Since 2015, surgeons have been using a mesh to provide additional cover and support to the implant placed on the chest wall muscles for cosmesis.

Aim of our research

This study aims to gather information from patients who have had a breast reconstruction with mesh, or will be having this operation, on their views on mesh and their experiences with mesh breast surgery.

Information from patients is invaluable to ensure that future research looking into mesh risks and benefits is focussed to address patients’ concerns and priorities.

How you can get involved

You have a choice of how you would like to be involved in this project and this brief questionnaire gives you the chance to express your preference.

We will be running a group virtual meeting for women who have expressed an interest in sharing their views. This will be alongside individual one-to-one interviews.

We are also creating a network for women with mesh-based breast reconstruction to share updates on this area and future events related to this topic.