Needs assessment for personalized garments to improve quality of life in breast cancer care

While advances in early detection and treatment have significantly improved breast cancer survival rates, many patients continue to face ongoing emotional and physical challenges. These challenges may include diminished body image and difficulties with intimacy due to perceived changes in their bodies, which can impact their overall quality of life and personal relationships Garments play a critical role in helping patients manage body image changes and regain normalcy. However, existing studies on bras used in breast cancer care rarely account for diversity in reconstruction type or the full recovery timeline. Additionally, prior work has focused almost exclusively on qualitative assessments of patient perspectives with little use of objective quantitative tools such as image analysis. Moreover, no studies to date have explored provider perspectives on garment use, despite the important role of bras in supporting wound healing after breast surgery. This dissertation addresses these gaps by examining the garment needs of breast cancer patients across three phases: preoperative, short-term healing, and long-term rehabilitation. It distinguishes between autologous and implant-based reconstruction, acknowledging that these procedures lead to different body shapes and garment requirements. The study integrates patient and provider perspectives with quantitative imaging to provide a comprehensive understanding of unmet needs. The research is organized into three sections based on methodology: (1) Quantitative 3D Imaging, which analyzes body measurement changes across timepoints; (2) Quality of Life Instrument, which evaluates garment-related experiences using BREAST-Q; and (3) Qualitative Studies, which include interviews, focus groups, and surveys to explore garment experiences and clinical practices. By triangulating these approaches, this work aims to inform the design of personalized garments that support physical recovery, body confidence, and overall well-being in breast cancer care.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Grantor

The University of Texas at Austin

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Liu, Yen-Tung, Ph. D.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Markey, Mia Kathleen

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Bravo Moix, Marie Karen
• Yankeelov, Thomas E.
• Sacks, Michael S.
• Reece, Gregory

• Breast cancer
• Quality of life
• Survivorship
• Breast reconstruction
• Needs assessment

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.26153/tsw/61885

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repositories.lib.utexas.edu:2152/134563