By Claude Mills, Staff Reporter
Above: Prima is a lightweight prosthesis which conforms to the woman's body shape.
Right: A woman fits a prosthesis into a post-mastectomy bra. - Carlington Wilmot /Freelance Photographer
ANY WOMAN who has undergone breast cancer surgery that has removed a significant portion of tissue is a candidate for a breast prosthesis, which often needs to be worn with a post-mastectomy bra.
Many women cannot afford or do not wish to have surgical breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery or decide to wait several months or years before having reconstructive surgery. For these women, breast prostheses and mastectomy bras are viable
alternatives.
An external breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that can be worn after the breast has been surgically removed. In Jamaica, Troy-Ann Davis is one of the licensed distributor of the Amoena line of breast prosthesis which is increasingly popular here.
"This brand is one of those that come closest to the look and feel of a breast as well as the complexion of all ethnicities, it covers the full ethnic range," Troy-Ann Davis said.
"A prosthesis can help a woman regain balance in terms of her bosom, especially in a case where she has lost a breast, a weighted prosthesis is necessary to allow for the natural body balance. If not, it can lead to back aches, and injuries. It also helps her to recover her sexuality, and even rediscover her natural bosom, and it works in swimwear choices, we design swimwear and create the prosthesis to suit you," Miss Davis, adding that she does the same for cosmetics and bras.
"A woman who has lost both breasts can determine her bust size," she said.
"After a year, women have as many as three or four types of prosthesis: a traditional, an attachable, and a lightweight for different needs," Miss Davis said.
The attachable comes in ranges that use the Velcro system, and direct cohesion system.
One of the most popular prostheses in the attractive Prima is a lightweight prosthesis which has a soft back which has a 'shape2u' technology which allows it to conform to the woman's body shape.
"It gives each woman a personalised fit because of the technology, and those women with uneven chests, it helps to camouflage uneven surgery," Miss Davis said.
For women with more pronounced nipples, they can purchase additional nipples to adhere to the prosthesis.
A prosthesis can range anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your particular needs. Post-mastectomy bras cost $1,500 upwards.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PROSTHESIS
Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Keep it in its box that helps it to keep its shape and form.
Use a breast form wash to clean your prosthesis periodically.
Use a lint-free cloth to dry.
Keep it away from sharp objects which may pierce the prosthesis.
RELATIVE COSTS FOR PROTHESES
Silicone Prostheses
$180-$400
Non-Silicone Prostheses
$30- $80
Equalisers and Enhancers
$80-$200
Post-Reconstructive/Surgical
Bras $20-$40
Post-Surgical Camisoles
$65-$80
Post-Mastectomy Bras
$30-$50
Source: Rhonda Fleming Mann Resource Centre for Women with Cancer
