As from mid-October, the Cape Peninsula branch of Reach for Recovery will be providing subsidized mastectomy bras to state patients who receive prostheses from them through the Cape Peninsula branch of The Ditto Project. The bra will cost patients between R120-00 to R150-00 (dependent on size).
“State patients do not have the luxury of shopping at a mastectomy boutique for a proper mastectomy bra after receiving a breast prosthesis from The Ditto Project,” says Regional Chair of the Western Cape, Carla Lind. “Most state patients do not wear a proper bra or the correct size needed to support the external prosthesis. Mastectomy bras are also imported and very costly. The actual cost of the bra (to us) is a discounted R345 and we are subsidizing the difference between our purchase price and the price to patients to the best of our ability. Patients have indicated a willingness to buy from us should they have funds available.”
The mastectomy bra has been developed by Thursdays Lingerie and Swimwear. Shona Macdonald, the founder of Thursdays, contacted the National Manager of Reach for Recovery, Stephanie van Deventer on 2 March 2020 to see how they could be of assistance. Says Macdonald: “Speaking to Carla Lind and Michele Coe at the Cape Peninsula branch and finding out more about their mission to help breast cancer survivors feel comfortable in their bodies post-surgery really resonated with my initial reasons for launching Thursdays. Designing a bra that can give these women a sense of self pride, allowing them to recognise themselves in the mirror and feel beautiful in public spaces, is so meaningful. Our vocation is to help women see themselves through the kind and loving eyes of their best friend.”
“It has taken a long time to find a local company willing to produce a mastectomy bra according to the very specific specifications that align with our Ditto prosthesis, and on a scale that makes it cost-effective,” says Lind. Macdonald adds: “The addition of mastectomy bras to our product portfolio not only enables us to give women the support they need to confidently wear their prosthetic and, in that, regain a sense of self but, we are optimistic it will provide a regular flow of work to enable us to continue investing in the skills development of female garment workers. We are looking forward to introducing a strong and proudly South African alternative to the scarce variety of imported mastectomy bras currently available.”
The design and difference of a mastectomy bra
An internal stretch mesh layer is added to a baseline design that acts as a thin pocket on both breasts. This allows the prosthesis to easily slide in and be kept firmly in place during wear. The pattern grading allows a fit for both smaller and bigger sizes.
The bra also features a wide under band (the band that goes under the cups and around the back) that helps the bra to stay in place.
The straps on a mastectomy bra are also wider than those on a standard bra. This is more comfortable for most women, especially those who are overweight. For example, wearing a size 12 prosthesis can be very heavy.
Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, a specialist surgeon with a special interest in breast health and supporter of The Ditto Project says: “There are a possible 44 bra sizes that can be made to fit the 12 prosthetics sizes. The Reach for Recovery team have been collecting patient data so they can more accurately determine which sizes to focus on. This project is one that we wholly support as it is extremely important for women to feel good about their bodies post a mastectomy and, even more importantly, that the devices that are used properly support a prosthesis. This makes it not only far more comfortable to wear, but also greatly assists with both emotional and mental healing post a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Says Lind: “A size curve has been developed that will be used just for fitting. A monthly order will be submitted, based on demand, thereby minimising waste and providing the best possible support for the patients.”
Concludes Apffelstaedt: “The work that The Ditto Project already does in terms of providing prostheses is incredibly valuable. The addition of a mastectomy bra to this service, by the Cape Peninsula Reach for Recovery branch, is a commendable pilot. The branch is completely reliant on fundraising for the work that they do and yet are still committed to carrying 50% of the cost of the mastectomy bra. Any donations to the Cape Peninsula branch for this specific project will enable them to help even more women.”
