Thanks to the generous response of Whanganui women a study, launched in late August to look at the experiences of women who have had breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, is now well under way.
Whanganui women aged up to 65 who had a mastectomy between 2010 and 2015 were invitedto take part in a simple electronic survey to help researchers understand what they experienced when having breast reconstruction and if, and how, that experience could be improved.
Dr Roberto Sthory was delighted at how willing local women have been to share their views.
"Of the 69 invitations we sent out, almost half responded."
Dr Sthory says the survey will remain open until November 12 so any women who have not responded but who wish to, can still take part.
"While we still plan to conduct face-to-face interviews with some women, due to the excellent response we've had, we may not be able to interview everyone individually."
She said to those women who were not interviewed, their input was still very valuable.
"Our entire research team wants to thank those who participated and those who are considering participating.
"The same survey will be conducted with a group of Wellington women to see if the barriers they experience are different to the problems faced by Whanganui women."
Anyone who feels they should have received an invitation to take part, but did not, is asked to contact cancer nurse specialist Nicky Collingwood by phoning Wanganui Hospital on (06) 348 1289 for more information.
