Patients want nurses to fit breast prostheses

MOST Irish breast cancer patients fitted with a prosthesis after a mastectomy are unhappy with the emotional support provided at fittings - and many feel the cost of the prosthesis puts them off replacing it as recommended.

The majority also said they would rather a breast care nurse fit them with a silicone prosthesis than a trained non-medical fitter. Up to 16,000 Irish women use an external non-surgical breast prosthesis after a mastectomy. Most say they are rushed through fittings when it can be an emotional time for a woman.

These results emerged from a postal survey carried out by Action Breast Cancer, funded by the Health Research Board, in which 527 women were asked about their experience of the provision, fitting and supply of prostheses.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Ireland. It is estimated there are 24,500 women living with it and around 1,921 new cases are reported every year.

After surgery, women are usually fitted with a temporary soft, fibre-filled prosthesis. Then, after six to eight weeks, they are fitted with a full-weighted or light-weighted silicone prosthesis. The survey reveals that 92.5% of women wear their external breast prosthesis all or most of the time. Fittings take place in hospitals and at specialised prosthesis suppliers.

Commenting on the results, lecturer in psychology at Dublin City University School of Nursing, Dr Pamela Gallagher said: “A good quality prosthesis, and a prosthesis fitting service where there is equity in terms of access and consistent and high standards of care, is paramount for any woman going through this process and for her body image, femininity and psychosocial well-being.

“The prosthesis is important for balance, posture, shape, appearance to self, appearance to others, sense of well-being, self-confidence and femininity.”

Following the publication of the survey at the annual meeting of the Irish Breast Care Nurses’ Association, Action Breast Cancer announced several recommendations they were making to improve the service.

They are seeking to develop standards and best practice guidelines in the provision, fitting, and supply of prostheses. They also want further training in fitting and the development of better fitting environments which offer women a display and choice of products, better privacy and time to try out products.

Action Breast Cancer manager Abby Langtry said: “Action Breast Cancer will work with breast care units in hospitals and retail prosthesis fitters to ensure that as far as possible the above recommendations are implemented at local level. Action Breast Cancer will also lobby the Department of Health and the Government to ensure that all women can obtain a breast prosthesis free of charge.”

For information and advice on prostheses and any aspect of breast cancer please call the group’s free helpline on 1800 30 90 40.