841 Post Operative Scar Management in Breast Cancer Patients
Published Date: 19th June 2025
Publication Authors: Rajan. A, Evans. N, Sirikonda. S, Jaiswal. R, Kiernan. T, Chagla. L, Taghizadeh. R, Barnes. J
Aim
Scar outcome after breast surgery is an important factor for breast cancer patients. Research has shown that manual scar massage and protection from the sun are methods of optimising scar cosmesis.
The aim was to assess the importance breast cancer patients placed on post operative scar appearance and if a scar care leaflet would increase their confidence in managing their scars.
Method
A scar care leaflet was developed and approved by both a breast and plastic surgery consultant. The leaflet had clear written and visual instructions on sun protection and how to massage scars.
After their post op wound review, 20 patients completed a questionnaire on their confidence managing their scars and the importance they placed on the appearance of their scar. The scar care leaflet was provided to 10 of them.
Results
Out of all the patients, 8 (40%) regarded their scar appearance as very important, 7 (35%) found it important, and 5 (25%) held a neutral opinion.
Out of the patients without a scar care leaflet, 6 (60%) were very unconfident managing their scar, 1 (10%) was unconfident, 2 (20%) were confident and 1 (10%) was very confident. This improved to 4 (40%) being confident and 6 (60%) very confident with a scar care leaflet.
Conclusion
Providing a scar care leaflet was shown to improve patients’ confidence in managing their breast surgery scars. Including this in the post operative care of breast surgery patients will likely improve scar outcomes and patient satisfaction, thereby optimising the holistic care they receive.
Rajan, A; Evans, N; Sirikonda, S; Jaiswal, R; Kiernan, T; Chagla, L; Taghizadeh, R; Barnes, J. (2025). 841 Post Operative Scar Management in Breast Cancer Patients. BJS. 112(Suppl 10), p.znaf128.566. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjs/znaf128.566 [Accessed 1 August 2025]
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