Over 90 patients have received post-surgical bras thanks to funding from the Redland Hospital Fund. The recently established Bras for Breast Cancer project at Redland Hospital ensures that breast cancer patients have one less thing to worry about when recovering from a life-changing surgery.
Breast cancer patients who undergo breast conservation surgery or mastectomy as treatment options need bras that can accommodate changes in breast size and shape and are comfortable against scars, swelling and skin sensitivity. They are often required to wear a soft, non-wire bra for up to three weeks post operation to optimise their recovery. While patients receive a Berlei brand bra from the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), they often need to purchase a number of bras to wear and wash to lower the risk of infection.
Through the Redland Hospital Fund’s support, the Bras for Breast Cancer project supplies patients with an item that may seem small but is vital to their recovery journey. Annette Smith, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Redland Hospital has directly witnessed how these bras assist women post-surgery.
“Purchasing extra bras for surgery is another financial burden that cancer patients face. They already lose work hours if receiving treatment like chemotherapy and radiation and then have time off to recover post-surgery,” she said.
“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.”
There are many types of post-surgical bras, with prices reaching up to $80 for more well-known brands. The Bras for Breast Cancer project provides functional Kmart and Target recovery bras to patients, ensuring that the needs of patients are met and a greater number of bras can be distributed.
Annette Smith emphasised the value of the Redland Hospital Fund bursary. She explained that Redlands is an area made up of a vast demographic and with the rising cost of living, Redlands locals are under substantial financial pressure.
“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.”
Annette expressed her gratitude towards the donors of the Redland Hospital Fund,
“Thank you for making a difference to many people touched by breast cancer, your generosity is greatly appreciated by our breast cancer patients.”
It is only through the charitable giving of the Redland Hospital Fund supporters that this program is possible. You can help breast cancer patients in their recovery by making the Redland Hospital Fund your place to give here.
