Free Distribution of Prosthetic Bra to Poor Breast Cancer Patients

Breast Cancer patients who have undergone Mastectomy (breast removal surgery) are advised by doctors to wear a prosthetic bra, which helps in balancing the patient’s body. Failing to wear it can be emotionally stressful and medically harmful for the patient. Mastectomy imbalances patient’s body causing bended spine, resulting in chronic back pain. In India, out of 1 lac mastectomies p.a., only 15K patients use silicon prosthesis (Source: Zauba.com).

Key reasons for low usage are:

a. High cost of silicon prosthesis

b. Low awareness about usage of prosthetic bra

c. Lack of Government/ insurance support towards the cost of prosthesis

An ideal prosthesis should be made out of hypo-allergic material, carry correct weight and have air deciphering qualities. The cheaper versions being distributed by other NGOs lack on these fronts. For example, foam and fabric based prosthesis lack weight. Moreover, foam absorbs sweat and causes infections. Silicon prosthesis is expensive with prices starting from Rs 8,500. Moreover, since silicon does not have air deciphering qualities, it leads to accumulation of sweat in hot and humid conditions causing rashes and allergies. Several weaker patients have often complained on excess weight of silicon prosthesis.

In 2016 Win Over Cancer’s co-founder Mrs. Kavita Gupta designed a low cost prosthesis satisfying the desired medical parameters. The product was reviewed and approved by AIIMS in December 2016 and later by CMC Vellore in February 2017 and Tata Memorial in November 2019.

The customized product is made from hypo-allergic material, carries correct weight, shape and has air deciphering qualities. Win Over Cancer is providing it for free to Breast Cancer survivors since 2016 through OPD sessions at AIIMS and through couriers, across India.

1. Create awareness on usage of breast prosthesis.
2. To provide an affordable prosthesis and pocket bra to breast cancer survivors coming from middle class and lower background.
3. To counsel these women on health issues which they are reluctant to discuss, provide them confidence to come out of body shame and reach out to the society. Help them fight the stigma of cancer.