A breast prosthesis is a synthetic breast or part of a breast that’s worn in a bra or attached to the body with adhesive. It helps give the appearance of a breast shape and can be used after breast surgery. You can use it some or all of the time or not at all.
Temporary prosthesis
In the first month or two after surgery, you may choose to wear a temporary light breast prosthesis called a soft form. This will be more comfortable next to the scar. A free bra and soft form are available through Breast Cancer Network Australia as part of the My Care Kit. To order a kit, speak to your breast care nurse.
Permanent prosthesis
When you have recovered from treatment, you can be fitted for a permanent breast prosthesis. These are usually made from silicone gel and have the shape, feel and weight of natural breasts.
It’s best to see a trained fitter who can help you choose the right prosthesis. To find a fitter near you, call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 or ask your breast care nurse for recommendations.
Learn more about breast prostheses and reconstruction.
Feelings of loss and change
It’s common to feel emotional after a cancer diagnosis. You may feel a sense of grief or loss – for your health and wellbeing, your dreams or freedoms, even what you can wear.
Grief can feel like waves of sadness or being teary, and usually settles over time. The busyness of cancer treatment may mean you do not feel grief until it is over. If concerned, call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
Learn more about emotions and cancer
→ READ MORE: Changes to body image and sexuality
Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Cindy Mak, Breast Surgeon and Director of Breast Services, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Nick Murray, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital and GenesisCare Adelaide, SA; Caroline Bennett, Consumer; Tamara Casey, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; A/Prof Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Lores, Consumer; Dr Linda Madigan, Breast Physician, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Ash Mondolo, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Private Hospital, QLD; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Catrina Ross, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW; Prof Christobel Saunders AO, James Stewart Chair of Surgery and Director of Research, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yvonne Zissiadis, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, GenesisCare WA and Adjunct A/Prof, Curtin University, WA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
