We can cross the breast cancer surgery gateway with Meleis’ transitions theory

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study individuals who underwent mastectomy and the process they went through, which might induce major transformations in medical, psychological, social, spiritual and physical dimensions, within the framework of Afaf Ibrahim Meleis’ transitions theory. Meleis’ theory is relevant and important in studying mastectomy for a handful of reasons, such as the fact that individuals undergoing transitions such as mastectomy are more sensitive to risk factors concerning their medical condition as well as their overall wellbeing. Meleis’ theory suggests that one fundamental function of nursing is to support people in managing the transition process. Transition requires one to obtain new information, transform their behavior and redefine oneself in a new social context. Individuals who undergo mastectomy experience a multidimensional transition process involving changes in many medical and social variables, ranging from their bodily unity to gender identity. Examining the woman’s breast surgery process through the lens of “Transition Theory” would make a significant contribution to both the medical-care oriented wholistic approach and individual-centered nursing care approach. Thus, approaching the mastectomy process by transition theory will be helpful in uncovering the social dimensions mostly ignored by the medical-care oriented nursing approaches.