From the Guidelines
Women who have undergone mastectomy or non-breast-conserving therapies should be considered for specialty bras to improve their quality of life and body image. According to the American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology breast cancer survivorship care guideline 1, breast forms/prostheses or bras are options available to survivors who have undergone mastectomy or non–breast-conserving therapies and generally require a prescription from a physician. Some key indications for wearing a specialty bra include:
- Mastectomy or non-breast-conserving therapies
- Radiation-associated breast/soft-tissue fibrosis
- Body image concerns or changes in appearance after breast surgery
- Need for improved symmetry or appearance after lumpectomy or mastectomy Specialty bras can help survivors regain self-esteem and improve their overall quality of life 1. It is essential for primary care clinicians to refer patients who have body image concerns that are not corrected by specialty bras or other options for psychosocial care, such as support groups, psychotherapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy 1. Most insurance plans cover mastectomy prostheses and specialty bras, and women should check with their insurance company and obtain a prescription from their physicians 1.
From the Research
Indications for Wearing a Specialty Bra
- Breast cancer surgery, including lumpectomies, partial mastectomies, and total mastectomies 2, 3
- Mastectomy without reconstruction, where an external breast prosthesis can aid in recovery and improve body image 4
- Chronic non-specific back pain in larger breasted women, where a correctly fitted bra can provide symptomatic relief 5
- Postoperative discomfort and pain management after breast cancer surgery, where a stable bra with compression can reduce remaining pain and increase mobility 3
Accommodations for Wearing a Specialty Bra
- A well-fitting bra can decrease postoperative discomfort and provide better comfort and support compared to a breast binder 2
- A professionally fitted bra can provide symptomatic relief for larger breasted women with chronic non-specific back pain 5
- A stable bra with compression can provide optimal postoperative bra support after breast cancer surgery, reducing pain and increasing mobility 3
- Customized external breast prostheses can be an alternative to conventional ones for breast cancer patients with mastectomy, providing additional benefits of less sweating, more comfort, and less dislodgement 4
- New technologies, such as biomechanical modeling, 3D body scanning, and manufacturing techniques, can be used to create customized bras that meet the individual needs of breast cancer survivors 6