Breast cancer is a rampant trial that has engulfed millions of women across the globe. Recent years have seen a surge in the toll of breast cancer patients. In India, the average age of developing a breast cancer has undergone a significant shift. Increasing numbers of patients are in the 25 to 40 years of age marking a disturbing trend. Not only does the diseases affect physical heath of women, but renders a steep downfall to their confidence, leaving it hampered. Since ages, Mastectomy bra, through all ups and downs, has been aid to survivors of breast cancer. It evolved as their perfect partner in the difficult journey.
Breast Cancer
The disease, through years has had adverse effects on the physique of women that constitute large make up of their mind. A change in body shape changes the way women see themselves and hence their perspective of life. The exterior hurdles are feeling of discomfort and off balance. The spine may begin to curve slightly causing the shoulder to droop. The physical reactions to the missing breast can cause lower back pain.
These days, breast cancer is easily detected and treated at early stage through surgeries and medications. Mastectomy is just a way of treating breast cancer by removing the affected tissue. The process of breast reconstruction usually follows Mastectomy, but is not an option always. Therefore, unchallenged in its trait of dismantling lives, Breast Cancer continues inflicting trauma to its patients. The post surgery stage of the treatment is always challenging for women. Absence of a breast or a part of it can cause disparity in body symmetry, and even demeaning women’s self esteem.
Lingerie is an essential part of the change that women have to adapt to. Unfortunately, it has been the one segment that women have majorly compromised on. Many of them having experienced the trauma face difficulty in finding the perfect bra that actually fit them. Essentially, these women are looking for products that help them restore body image as well as treat their concerns with respect, privacy, and support.
Heeding the way, the lingerie world introduced a very comfortable alternative for breast cancer survivors. For those women who opt to not have reconstructive surgery, or for those who are waiting to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, mastectomy bras are a viable option. The Mastectomy bra is used in sync with a prostheses or breast foam to create a supportive system helping recreate the natural symmetry of a woman’s body and act as a healing mechanism for them.
Mastectomy bras are much of a relief than revolution for many reasons. They offer warmth, protecting chest and scars, they help balance body posture. It is mostly demanded of the prostheses as they keep bra from shifting or riding up. Also, using Mastectomy bra with prostheses helps prevent problems with curvature of the spine, shoulder drop and muscular pain in the neck and back.
The Right One:
Breast cancer is dealt with in many surgical ways. Some women undergo Lumpectomies (partial removal of breast tissue), Bi-lateral Mastectomies (loss of one breast), Double Mastectomy (Removal of both the breasts), any number of breast reconstructions, or no breast reconstruction at all. Only 30% of mastectomy patients choose breast reconstruction considering surgical risks. Those women can choose to wear prostheses or breast forms that will slip inside specially-pocketed bras. The right Mastectomy bra is not just the one which fit well, but also regards the issue of delicate tissue removal, stitches and scars with care. These features are hard to find, and almost a challenge in fashionable bras. In a research, many women have commented that “I miss being able to buy pretty bras. I hate having to be so self-conscious about leaning forward. The bra moves away from the chest wall and I’m afraid people can see my big scar. I hate how the [Mastectomy] bra ‘ripples’ and shows through sweaters.” Nonetheless, a perfect one is available and it contributes a lot to the survivors’ persona. Hence, awareness is important to choose the right Mastectomy bra.
Mastectomy bras are complimented by breast forms, made of foam or Prostheses, which replicates a natural breast in its weight and feel. Prostheses comes in Foam, Silicon, and Rubber/Latex form. Foam is good at holdings the shape well but offers hindrance in movement and drape unlike Silicone. As far as giving the feel, weight, and movement of a natural breast is concerned, Silicone Prostheses are the ideal match. Rubber/Latex form have benefits of silicone to a degree, though they aren’t right up to the mark. Mastectomy intimate wear needs to be chosen according to the shape of the Prostheses. There are 5 or more styles.
Triangle shape
The most popular and widely available shape, this is a symmetrical breast form which can used on either side of the body. It mimics the shape of a natural breast and is available in shallow, average or full volumes. It is most suited to ladies who have not had extensive surgery to the lymph glands.
Oval shape
This is another excellent symmetrical shape which sits smoothly against the chest wall giving a natural profile. May suit ladies who wish to use in an underwired bra. It is recommended for ladies who have a slightly wider, fuller breast shape and can work well for ladies who have had bilateral surgery.
Asymmetric shape
This shape is specifically designed for the left or right of the body with a small extension, or tail. It sits under the arm where surgery has removed a large amount of tissue or the lymph glands. It can also work well for ladies who have had bilateral surgery.
Heart shape
This versatile shape can be used symmetrically or asymmetrically. It can be worn in an underwired bra due to its round shape that is slightly narrower at the base and suits ladies who have a narrow back with a fuller shape of bust.
Partial shapes
These are best suited to ladies who have had a lumpectomy, partial surgery or reconstruction as they provide volume or enhancement after surgery. The most popular shape is a triangle.
Women also have an option of having custom made breast prosthetic or settling with breast form that can be placed inside the bra. These can be cast prior to surgery and are designed to replicate a look closest to the original. Mastectomy bras are available according to the Prostheses shape and size. Women are usually recommended to use Mastectomy Camisole immediately after surgery and move to Mastectomy bra after week or two’s time. The cost of Mastectomy Bras range from $36 to $65 and Post-Surgical Camisoles are in range of $52 to $80.
Sportswear and Swimwear
Sportswear sounds a terrible challenge for Mastectomy patients who’ve experienced quandary in their daily fit wear. Women, particularly those who are very active, feel off-balance and could suffer from effects of the imbalance, not just while exercising, but also while performing simplest of athletic training. Mastectomy Sportswear did come about for the active souls and it developed well. Sportswomen, who have gone through the surgery, do rely on them for fabulous sports bra.
There is no reason that women cannot return to an active lifestyle post-mastectomy, especially if they are equipped with the proper wardrobe. The mastectomy sports bra allows for low to high impact exercises, while serving its purpose of securing both the prosthetic and the other breast. The case of swimwear is similar where the prostheses need to be water resistant, primarily silicon and stay in position through out the activity.
A Mastectomy sports bra comes in three styles. The styles vary according to type of mastectomy performed. The most common and comfortable is the back closure bra that has adjustable straps and lower band for perfect fit and minimal stress on the shoulder and back. The Front bras closure offer a zipper or hooks and eyes in the front centre, are recommended for women who have limited dexterity or who may have post-surgery discomfort reaching to fasten at the back. They do not give the same high-impact support as the back closure does.
Types of Mastecomy Bras :
Most Mastectomy Bras have moulded cups for maximum support. However, the Pull Over Mastectomy bras do not have moulded cups; the support comes more from the compression of the snug fit of the bra made with flexible spandex material. One of the most significant aspects of a mastectomy sports bra is the comfort of the fabric against the skin on the interior of the bra. Coming to swimwear, a spectrum of them are available for post mastectomy surgery use. In a sense, Mastectomy Swimwear has embarked into a fashion. But what needs serious consideration in both segments is use of technical fabric in to Mastectomy wear.
Considering the rage in India about breast cancer awareness, it comes as surprise to see that not much
has been done in our inner sphere. Mr. Harinder Pal Singh, as the pioneer of Mastectomy Bra in India and owner of Paris Teacher – prelaunch lingerie brand, is of the opinion that the perfect Mastectomy Bra has yet to enter India. He has been researching
on the subject since past 15 year, and having deal with complains regarding the uncomfortable products in the category, he chose to attend the matter at hand with genuine efforts. Mr. Harinder has come up with a unique design of cotton Mastectomy bra that, unlike international products, would suit Indian women. His study notes that the climate of India has certain demands along with specific requirement of Indian women’s shape and posture. He aims to tie up with a brand to offer his innovation to the masses
It is primarily the government hospitals and institutes like TATA Memorial who help Mastectomy patient with the special bar. Also, while treating breast cancer patients, TATA Memorial hospital focuses on methods of preserving the breast by replacing the breast tissue. Out of approximately 3200 new cases every year, the hospital has 70% of them treated with breast conservation surgery. Another prominent figure in the category is Saroj Burman, the founder of Adorn Lingerie. She herself is a survivor of Breast Cancer. She contracted the diseases in 1996
The delicate functioning renders a specific construction of fabrics for comfort and ease in movement. A combination of either cotton and Lycra (spandex) or nylon and Lycra is used to provide multipurpose fit. Also, polyester is mostly used to make the bras moisture absorbent to avoid the excess wetness. Mastectomy wear is the need of the hour and conveniently, they have set a steady foot into the market. Yet, its believed that, drowned within the lucrative Lingerie world, Mastectomy Bra would need a revolution and collective efforts in serving the Indian survivors.
