Psychological experiences of young women undergoing BPM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The psychological experiences of women who underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) at a young age (18-26 years).
IRAS ID
330584
Contact name
Craig Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Women at high-risk of breast cancer sometimes chose to have surgery to remove their breast tissue, known as a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM). This reduces their risk but can result in psychological difficulties, such as struggling with body image. For this reason, psychologists provide support to women considering surgery. However, more younger women are starting to request surgery and not enough is known about their unique psychological experiences.
The aim of this research is to understand younger women’s experiences of deciding to have surgery and the psychological impact afterwards.This study aims to interview 6-10 women who were aged between 18-26 when they underwent breast surgery to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Participants will be recruited from UK NHS hospitals.
The interview will last approximately 60 minutes and take place either on Teams, face-to-face or on the phone. The interview will ask women about their psychological experiences when deciding to have surgery and the psychological impact after surgery.
From the interviews, patterns in what woman report will be identified. This information will be used to make suggestions about how women who choose this type of surgery might be supported in the future to reduce psychological difficulties.
Clinical psychologists, a breast surgeon, a genetics professor and a woman with lived experience have been involved to support with the design of the research and recruitment of participants.
Findings will aim to be published in an academic journal and shared more widely with participants and the public through social media, charities, and NHS services.Lay Summary of Study Results
Some women are at higher risk of getting breast cancer. Having surgery to remove their breast tissue, called bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM), is the best way to lower this risk. More younger women are asking to have BPM, but most research has been on older women. We do not know much about young women’s experience of BPM. Therefore, this research aimed to understand young women’s decision to have BPM and the impact this had on their life. One woman who had BPM surgery at a young age helped with designing the research.
The study took place between September 2024-May 2025. Women were found by looking at patient medical records in two NHS Trust’s in England. Seven women who had BPM surgery between the age of 20-26 years took part in an online interview about their experiences. The researcher then looked for patterns (known as themes) in what women said.
The study found that women wished to have BPM at a young age because they did not want to repeat upsetting childhood experience of cancer in their family. It was also convenient to have BPM young because they did not have as many responsibilities (i.e., children). Nobody regretted having BPM young and they coped well with any difficulties. Yet most women felt that professionals did not respect their decision to have BPM due to their young age.
This research showed that it is important for young women asking for BPM to receive trauma-informed and person-centred care.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0227
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion