October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time when stories are shared, support is amplified, and attention is drawn to the realities faced by those affected by breast cancer.
Among the many conversations that happen this month, one that often gets overlooked is the importance of what comes next after surgery: healing, comfort, and care. And yes, that includes what you wear.
The importance of proper post-surgery support
After breast surgery, whether it's a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction, your body needs specialised care and support. Regular bras simply aren't designed for the unique needs of post-surgical recovery.
The healing process often involves swelling that fluctuates over time, making adjustability crucial. What feels comfortable immediately after surgery may need modification as your body heals and changes.
So what makes a good post-surgery bra?
Top of the list has to be a front-fastening design. You really don't want to, or may not even be able to, reach around behind you to fasten your bra. A bra that also provides different levels of fastening is also ideal for adjusting the bra to your body as your support needs change.
You'll also want a bra that is seamless. Having seams inside the bra can further irritate skin that's already been through a lot, so avoiding seams is essential.
If you're using a prothesis then it's also important to think about how this will fit inside your bra. Many bras include pockets to allow you to easily insert breast forms and pads, helping to restore your natural shape and balance.
Finally, you'll need a bra that offers as much adjustability as possible. It's not just the front fastening, but the shoulder straps, too. You'll need to allow your bra to provide adequate support for your breasts without digging in to your shoulders.
Designed by patients, for patients.
As the world's largest cancer charity, we always aim to make sure that cancer patients are offered the very best products at every stage of their cancer journey. When it came to breast cancer, we sought the help of our Patient Panel, a group of cancer patients who use their cancer experience to shape what we do, and we listened to what they wanted from a post-surgery bra.
Enter the Cancer Research UK Post-Surgery Comfort Bra.
Made from super-soft bamboo fibre, it's fully adjustable, from the 3-level hook-and-eye fastener at the front to the extra wide shoulder straps that prevent shoulder dig, making it comfortable for all. Finally, prothesis pockets allow you to slip in your own soft breast form as needed, or use the supplied removable pads to help restore a natural look.
Getting the right fit
Your body goes through many changes during breast cancer treatment and you'll need a bra that provides the right support.
With the Cancer Research UK Post-Surgery Comfort Bra, we recommend starting with your dress size alongside our size chart to select the most appropriate bra size. The ruching alongside the 3-level hook-and-eye fastening will stretch to accommodate up to an E cup. If you're larger than an E cup, we recommend that you go up a bra size.
Superb comfort with restored confidence
But don't just take our word for it, here's some of the feedback we've had recently:
"It feels really supportive and really soft, so I've been able to wear it morning and night." - Rosie
"It's great being able to adjust the staps from the front. It saves me from having to struggle at the back!" - Mary
"I love it and it fits so comfortable underneath your breasts as well, which can be quite sore after the operation." - Yasmin
"I don't like anything too fancy! I don't like too frilly. This is right up my street actually!" - Esther
If you're looking to complete the look, add some matching briefs (£14.99), or get extra comfort whilst at home or on the move with our seat-belt protector (£9.99) and underarm support cushions (£14.99).
The bra that supports more than just your breasts
The Cancer Research UK Post-Surgery Comfort Bra has quickly become our best-selling mastectomy bra, supporting thousands of women every year. As well as being sold via our Online Shop, we also supply NHS and private hospitals and clinics as their preferred mastectomy bra provider, and it can be found in independent lingerie shops and specialist bra fitters across the UK and Ireland.
Whenever you purchase one, you'll be pleased to know that the Cancer Research UK Post-Surgery Comfort Bra is the only bra where 100% of profits support our life-saving breast cancer research.
If you, or someone you know, is going through breast cancer treatment, the Cancer Research UK Post-Surgery Comfort Bra could be just what they need for extra comfort and support.
Available online now for just £28.99 with a VAT exemption (£34.79 if not VAT exempt).