The Prosthesis Alternative for Breast Cancer Patients

While survival is ultimately the first priority for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is no disputing the fact that having a whole breast or even part of a breast removed through surgery can deliver a powerful psychic blow to a woman's sense of self-esteem. All of us have a strong sense of self-image that helps define how we see ourselves internally, and a vital component of that self-concept is centered around our physical appearance and what others see when they look at us. Women who have literally lost a part of themselves following a mastectomy or lumpectomy may be at peace over their decision to have this kind of life-saving procedure performed, but that will not eliminate feelings of self-consciousness or vulnerability when a woman is out in public following such a surgery.

Even putting aside concerns over a wounded self-image, there is also the matter of privacy: women who have been battling breast cancer may desire to enjoy activities outside the home without feeling that everyone will be able to tell just by looking at them what has been happening in their lives. Breast cancer for many women is an intensely personal disease, and they may prefer that others who are not family or close friends do not find out what they have been going through.

Breast reconstruction is one answer for women who would like to restore their appearance to what it was before their surgery. But for women without insurance this additional operation could be prohibitively expensive, and for other breast cancer patients the idea of having yet another major surgery performed in the midst of their ongoing fight against cancer may be more than they can bear. Or, in some instances, women may indeed want to have breast reconstruction done, but only in the future when they have beaten their cancer and have had the chance to settle back into their former life.

Whatever the reasons are for electing not to have reconstructive surgery performed, it is important to know that this is not the only good option available for women who would like to restore their appearance after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. There is another choice available, something that has been around for a long time and is a much less expensive choice than having another surgery - breast prosthesis.

The Evolution of the Breast Form
The breast prosthesis is a man-made replica designed to approximate the shape, weight, texture, and overall appearance of the breast that has been totally or partially removed through surgery. Also called breast forms, these replicas attach to either the body or the clothing so they can be kept in place during the time they are worn.

Interestingly enough, it was actually the inventor of the Barbie doll, Ruth Handler, who was also responsible for the creation of the very first line of breast prosthesis inserts. Made from silicone housed in a plastic skin, Ms. Handler chose the name 'Nearly Me' for her creation. Her highly successful innovation was inspired by her own bout with breast cancer in the 1970s, and her search for something to replace the breast she had lost via mastectomy.

The Nearly Me line of breast prosthesis products still exists to this day, but the number of choices available for women who are interested in wearing a breast form following a mastectomy or lumpectomy  has expanded dramatically from what was available 30 years ago. There are literally hundreds of distinctive breast forms offered for sale by several different companies, with variation based on size, weight, material, shape, texture, inclusion of the nipple and areola, and other fine cosmetic details.