Flat Closure Study Recruiting Women of Color!

Are you a woman of color who chose mastectomy with flat closure?

You may be eligible to participate in this study.

You are invited to participate in a research study titled: “The Pre and Post-mastectomy Experiences of Women Choosing Flat Closure after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.” Tracy Tyner, a Ph.D. nursing student at Texas Woman’s University, is conducting this study to explore 1) the decision-making experience of choosing mastectomy with flat closure, 2) the experience of being flat, and 3) the experience of viewing oneself in the mirror pre and post-flat closure.

This research will shed light on this understudied population of women, providing a better understanding of what women are experiencing when choosing flat closure. We at NPOAS and the study researchers hope the results will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers working with women contemplating or undergoing flat closure.

Up to 40 women will be recruited for this research study.

This is the second round of recruitment and the researchers are specifically looking to enroll women of color so as to include YOUR experiences and perspectives in their research!

Participation Criteria:

The researcher is looking for women 18 years of age or older who were diagnosed with breast cancer (Stage 0 [DCIS] to Stage IV), and “chose” a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat. Participants must have had their mastectomy with flat closure within the past 3 months to 5 years, had their surgery in the United States, and currently live in the United States. Participants must be able to speak, read, and understand English, and have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone.

Transgender men, women who underwent flat closure after breast reconstruction removal (removal of their implant(s) or breast flap), women who are currently flat but want future breast reconstruction, or women who are flat because they cannot have breast reconstruction are not eligible for this study.

This research study is voluntary. You can choose to participate in the study or not. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in a 60 to 90 minute recorded Zoom or telephone interview about your experience of choosing flat closure and what the experience of going flat has been like for you. Additional meetings may be necessary to clarify interview information and to verify study findings. You will also be asked to share a photo of your flat closure if you wish to do so. Providing a photo is not required for participation. The researcher will use a code name to protect your identity in any future publications. Women completing an interview will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Women completing a study data verification meeting will receive an additional $25 Amazon Gift Card.

The potential total time commitment for this study is 190 minutes. This includes 15 minutes to complete the study consent form, 5 minutes for the demographic survey, 60 to 90 minutes for the interview, a 20 minute meeting to clarify aspects of the interview (if needed), and a 30 to 60 minute meeting for data verification should you be one of the 3 to 5 randomly chosen participants that are asked and are interested in participating in the follow-up meeting.

Inclusion Criteria (you must meet all of these to qualify for the study):

1. Women 18 years of age or older
2. Diagnosed with breast cancer (includes Stages 0 [DCIS] to IV)
3. Choose a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of remaining flat**
4. Underwent a double mastectomy
5. Surgery occurred within the last 3 months to 5 years**
6. You live in the United States
7. You had your surgery in the United States
8. You are able to speak, read, and understand English
9. You have access to a computer, mobile device, or phone
   **Women undergoing a flat closure revision surgery are eligible to participate

Exclusion Criteria (if you meet any of these, you don’t qualify for the study):

1. You underwent flat closure after breast implant or breast reconstruction removal
2. You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure with the intention of having breast
   reconstruction in the future
3. You underwent a mastectomy with flat closure because you were not a candidate for
   breast reconstruction
4. You are a transgender male

If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Tracy Tyner at ttyner@twu.edu or (972) 855-8450.