Photo: Supplied.
FROM THE REDLAND HOSPITAL FUND
More than 90 Redland Hospital breast cancer patients have received post-surgical bras thanks to the Redland Hospital Fund, easing one of the quieter financial burdens of cancer recovery.
The Bras for Breast Cancer project, recently established at Redland Hospital, supplies women recovering from breast conservation surgery and mastectomy with the soft, non-wire bras they need in the critical weeks after their operation.
Patients are typically required to wear a post-surgical bra for up to three weeks to support healing, accommodating changes in breast size and shape, and protecting sensitive scars and swelling. While women receive one Berlei bra through the Breast Cancer Network Australia, most need several so they can rotate and wash them to reduce infection risk. At up to $80 a bra for leading brands, the cost adds up quickly.
Annette Smith, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Redland Hospital, said the project lifts a real weight off of patients at an already difficult time.
“Purchasing extra bras for surgery is another financial burden that cancer patients face,” Ms Smith said. “They already lose work hours if receiving treatment like chemotherapy and radiation, and then have time off to recover post-surgery.
“Giving them something simple like an extra bra helps relieve a little of this financial burden, even if only slightly. The breast cancer patients love that we provide them with a post-surgical bra and often wear these long after they no longer need to.”
The project sources functional recovery bras from Kmart and Target, allowing the breast service to support a far greater number of patients than premium brands would allow.
Annette said the impact was being felt across the Redlands community, where cost-of-living pressure is hitting families hard.
“Through funding for this project and allowing the breast service to supply bras for cancer, it builds important relationships with patients and relieves some of the ongoing financial burden that breast cancer patients face both during and long after their treatment.”
She extended her thanks to the local donors who made the program possible.
“Thank you for making a difference to many people touched by breast cancer. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by our breast cancer patients.”
The Bras for Breast Cancer project is funded entirely through the generosity of Redland Hospital Fund supporters. Community members who would like to help local breast cancer patients in their recovery can donate at www.redlandhospitalfund.org.au/donate.
