Purpose/Specific Aims: Breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women in the United States and an estimated 215,990 women nationally will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2004 (American Cancer Society, [ACS] 2004). Women with breast cancer comprise the largest group of female survivors of cancer (Ganz et al., 2002). The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships of body image, sexuality, sexual health, appraisal, coping and social support on quality of life in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have undergone a mastectomy.

Design/Methods: A descriptive correlational design will be used to explore the relationships among study variables (body image, sexuality, sexual health, appraisal, social support, coping, and quality of life). The target population is women who have had a modified radical mastectomy within the previous 12 months of participation. Potential participants will be given a flyer, by a designated nurse (at each site), describing the study and asking them to contact the PI by attached postcard in an addressed stamped envelope. The PI will provide information about informed consent, study aims/goals, nature of instruments, and anonymous data collection. Once phone consent has been obtained a survey packet will be mailed or emailed to the participant. All packets will be returned by mail to the PI.

Findings: Data is currently being collected. Preliminary analyses will be completed prior to the conference. Difficulties encountered during recruitment and data collection will be presented.

Implications: Literature indicates that all types of cancer can have detrimental effects on body image, sexuality, and sexual health. However, almost no studies have examined the linkages among these concepts and quality of life women with breast cancer.