Support after surgery
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK and treatment can often involve mastectomy surgery to remove the breast. This can have a significant effect on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing, including their body image and self-esteem.
Breast prostheses can give women more confidence, however, many users report problems such as discomfort, skin irritation and displacement of the prosthesis. The silicon prostheses are also often only available in standard sizes that don’t always provide wearers with anatomical symmetry.
New research has explored women’s experiences with the prostheses that are currently available and how they could be improved. Suggestions include creating customised products made of lighter materials that don’t strain the body and replicate a natural shape. These could also provide better symmetry and be more comfortable to wear throughout the day.
The article, published in the journal Human Factors and Healthcare, said: “Although external breast prostheses help restore body image and confidence in many mastectomy patients, users still experience self-consciousness and a perceived lack of femininity. There are opportunities to improve prosthesis design, including personalised shapes and the use of lighter materials.
“More than half of the participants reported problems with their current silicone prostheses, with weight and movement being common issues. The weight of silicone prostheses is of particular concern for those with larger breast sizes. Prosthesis wearing impacts daily life for many users, with some feeling restricted in clothing choices and others discontinuing certain social/sports activities.
“The study reports on potential improvements that may help address some of these challenges from a design perspective. There is a strong opportunity for customised lightweight prostheses to improve symmetry and comfort.”
