A compassionate nurse offers hope to a woman facing mastectomy through therapeutic communication.

Easing the Journey: Therapeutic Communication in Mastectomy Pre-Op Care

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how therapeutic communication can transform pre-operative mastectomy care, empowering patients and improving outcomes."

The advances in breast cancer treatment offer improved survival rates, yet the experience of facing mastectomy remains a significant challenge for many women. The period leading up to surgery is often filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional distress. This is where the power of compassionate care and effective communication becomes essential.

Therapeutic communication, a patient-centered approach that prioritizes empathy and understanding, has emerged as a crucial element in pre-operative care. It's more than just providing information; it's about creating a safe space for women to express their fears, ask questions, and actively participate in their care plan.

This article explores the critical role of therapeutic communication in the pre-operative phase of mastectomy. We'll delve into how it can improve patient outcomes, foster a sense of empowerment, and contribute to a more positive and supportive experience during a difficult time.

The Power of Connection: Building Trust and Reducing Anxiety

A compassionate nurse offers hope to a woman facing mastectomy through therapeutic communication.

Therapeutic communication is defined as the purposeful use of communication skills to promote patient well-being. In the context of pre-operative mastectomy care, it involves active listening, empathy, and providing clear, honest information. The goal is to establish a strong nurse-patient relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

When women feel heard and understood, their anxiety levels tend to decrease. Open communication allows them to address their fears about surgery, potential body image changes, and the overall impact of cancer on their lives. This approach acknowledges the patient's emotional experience as a valid and important part of their care.

Reducing feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
Empowering patients to actively participate in decision-making.
Improving adherence to pre-operative instructions.
Fostering a sense of hope and resilience.

The study found that therapeutic communication establishes a favorable practice, because it establishes the nurse-patient relationship, with the patient producing his own care,Understanding the fragility of the patient at this stage, the nurse takes commitment to predefine the nursing care in partnership, in order to meet the patient needs, aiming to, mainly, the autonomy of care. In this way, the authors present a proposal for nursing managed care based on a mutal relationship, human and participatory care.

Empowering Women Through Compassionate Communication

In conclusion, therapeutic communication is an invaluable tool in pre-operative mastectomy care. It fosters a supportive environment, reduces anxiety, and empowers women to actively participate in their treatment journey. By prioritizing empathy and open dialogue, healthcare professionals can significantly improve the overall experience and promote positive outcomes for women facing breast cancer surgery. The future of breast cancer care lies not only in advanced treatments but also in compassionate and patient-centered communication.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0034-71672010000400027, Alternate LINK

Title: Comunicação Terapêutica No Cuidado Pré-Operatório De Mastectomia

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Miria Conceição Lavinas Santos, Francisco Stélio De Sousa, Pricilla Cândido Alves, Isabela Melo Bonfim, Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes

Published: 2010-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does therapeutic communication specifically involve in pre-operative mastectomy care?

Therapeutic communication in the context of pre-operative mastectomy care involves actively listening to patients, showing empathy, and providing clear, honest information about their condition and upcoming procedure. The goal is to create a strong nurse-patient relationship built on trust and mutual respect. It helps patients address fears related to surgery, potential body image changes, and the overall impact of cancer, acknowledging their emotional experience as a valid part of their care.

What are the key benefits of therapeutic communication for women undergoing pre-operative mastectomy care?

Therapeutic communication reduces feelings of isolation and vulnerability. It empowers patients to actively participate in decision-making regarding their care. It also improves adherence to pre-operative instructions, ensuring patients are well-prepared for surgery. Finally, it fosters a sense of hope and resilience, helping patients cope with the emotional challenges of facing mastectomy.

Besides nurses, who else on the healthcare team should be involved in therapeutic communication with mastectomy patients?

While the text emphasizes the role of nurses, therapeutic communication should be practiced by all members of the healthcare team involved in a patient's pre-operative care, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other support staff. Standardized training programs can ensure consistent and effective implementation across disciplines, promoting a unified and supportive approach to patient care.

What are the potential consequences if therapeutic communication is absent or inadequate in pre-operative mastectomy care?

If therapeutic communication is lacking, women may experience increased anxiety, fear, and uncertainty leading up to their mastectomy. This can lead to poorer emotional and psychological outcomes, difficulty adhering to pre-operative instructions, and a diminished sense of control over their treatment journey. Without open dialogue and empathy, patients may feel isolated and less empowered to actively participate in their care.

How can therapeutic communication during the pre-operative phase impact a patient's overall cancer treatment and long-term well-being?

The impact of therapeutic communication extends beyond the pre-operative phase. By establishing a strong foundation of trust and open dialogue, it can positively influence a patient's overall experience throughout their cancer treatment journey, including post-operative recovery and long-term follow-up. Addressing emotional needs early can promote better psychological well-being and improve adherence to ongoing care plans, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and quality of life.