"Support" After Breast Cancer - Seeking A Certified Bra Fitter

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women, accounting for almost 1 in every 3 cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. With every diagnosis comes treatment – each patient receives a specific regimen of procedures designed to combat their cancer. Mastectomies are a common step in the treatment process. After undergoing the surgery it is paramount that women are properly fitted for a bra that fits their new form. 

Certified Fitters are an incredible resource for women recovering from breast cancer surgery. A properly fitted bra can have huge a effect on posture and in creating a visually symmetrical breast. Sarah Mandel, RN, CFm has enlightened us with answers to some common questions about proper bra fitting.

After a mastectomy, why is it important to have a bra fitted properly?

After getting clearance from your surgeon, usually 6 to 8 weeks post surgery; you need to locate a Certified Fitter for mastectomy. This professional is specifically educated, trained and nationally certified in the provision of breast prostheses and post-mastectomy bras. After meeting the patient, this professional’s expertise allows them to make a patient assessment and implement a specific treatment plan for a fitting. This promotes the assurance and overall welfare of the mastectomy patient and their specific progression of needs.

What advice would you give a cancer patient looking for a bra fitter?

You want someone who caters to the needs of individuals with breast cancer. The knowledge of the person helping you can make a big difference in what you purchase and how you feel. Speak to your surgeon or his nurse for recommendations when he gives you your prescription. Talk to other breast cancer peers and get recommendations of the Certified Fitters they used. Contact a nurse you trusted with your care and ask for a list of places that use Certified Fitters. You have experienced a life changing impact on your health so remember you have the right to ask if the employee is certified.

After you have identified and arranged to meet your Certified Fitter, they will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your post- surgical fitting, by educating you on which products will fulfill your needs in both fit and appearance.

What are the implications of an ill-fitted bra after mastectomy?

The mastectomy patient, whether unilateral (one breast) or bilateral (both breasts) are now missing the weight that their natural breasts gave them to align their backs, shoulders and even their arms. This can negatively impact the ability for the patient to maintain proper physical support. Many mastectomy patients before being fitted for a breast form hunch their backs over to conceal their missing breast or breasts. Some patients do not choose to be fitted for a breast form, or stuff socks in their old bras to try to create an even appearance in a shirt. The implication of this seen over a period of time can create multiple painful results. When the body is out of balance following a surgery of this kind, other muscle-skeletal problems can develop. Back, neck and shoulder problems are common as well as a tendency for one shoulder to drop downward and inward while the other rises up. A silicone breast prosthesis is weighted and simulates the natural breast.

What additional implications can an ill-fitting bra cause?

Poor fitting bras can also contribute to the formation of lymphedema of the upper extremities. Bra straps and bands that are too tight are thought to impede the flow of lymph fluid. It is important that someone who has a history of lymphedema to have at least yearly bra fittings. It is very important to not only fit a patient properly for physical comfort, support and symmetry but for her to feel as comfortable as she can when she views herself for the next step of recovery.

What are the implications of an ill-fitted bra while wearing expanders?

It is important at every stage of recovery to be properly fitted for a bra. It can become an uncomfortable experience for the patient going through the stages of expansion with her reconstructive surgeon if she is wearing a bra that rides up irritating the skin surrounding her expanders. It is very important to make sure the patient’s band fits securely but not tightly. Adjusting the shoulder straps will also help insure comfort.

Can you "fix" asymmetrical breasts with a proper fitted bra?

Creating symmetry after breast cancer surgery is possible with a proper fitting. This applies to both breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) and mastectomy. First, when a woman has had a lumpectomy the affected breast can change in size and shape. This can result often from three reasons – breast size and the size of the tumor removed from the breast and the effects Radiation can have on shrinkage of the skin. There are breast shapers that are actually hollow forms that cover the affected breast and create a symmetrical look in your bra and clothes. They also fit in the bra pocket, just as a full breast form would. A properly fitted bra with a band that is sized to create a snug and comfortable fit around the torso and shoulder straps that are the proper width and are adjusted for support can make a big difference. With a fitting after mastectomy it is important to make sure the breast form fills out both the pocket and the bra. Appropriate measurement of the nipples on the breast form also creates an even appearance.

How can a poorly fitting bra impact posture? 

Wearing a breast prosthesis is a personal choice. Many women want to wear one because they want to wear the same clothing that they wore prior to the surgery and they want to look symmetrical. There are other advantages to having breast prosthesis. It can give you warmth, protect your chest and scars, help balance your posture, keep your bra from shifting or riding up, help prevent problems with curvature of the spine, shoulder drop and muscular pain in the neck and back.

If you or someone close to you is recovery from a mastectomy the best option to finding Certified Fitter is to consult your nurse navigator. They are excellent resources! If you do not have a nurse navigator or Certified Fitter available at your hospital you can visit these sites to find a Certified Fitter in your area.

Cancer1Source - http://cancer1source.org/gethelp_postmastectomy_fitter.html

OandP Care - http://www.oandpcare.org/PostMastectomyCareFaq