Leading charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is reminding women who’ve had breast surgery that it has eight local bases for its specialist bra and swimwear fitting service.
More than 1,000 local women are diagnosed with the disease each year and to help meet their needs the charity has set up a services at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry as well as in Belfast, Cookstown, Enniskillen, Newry, Donaghmore, Ballymoney and Omagh.
Cancer Focus NI bra-fitting specialist Wendy Brown (pictured) said: “After surgery and treatment for breast cancer some women feel less confident about their body and self-image. Feeling good in your clothes can make a real difference and following breast surgery there is no reason why women shouldn’t continue to wear the clothes they love.
“I help them choose the right bra, in the right size, which suits them - the styles available have come on leaps and bounds – and the specially designed bras can also be bought at competitive prices.
“Obviously a well-fitting and attractive bra is important for everyday living, but so is swimwear. Many of our clients like to go swimming as a gentle introduction to getting fitter after their therapy, or they may be going on a well-deserved holiday and naturally want to feel the best they can.”
Wendy added: “The ladies I meet can be very fragile emotionally when they come first, so I do my best to make them feel at ease and reassure them. I enjoy helping them get over one of the many hurdles they face after a cancer diagnosis.
“Seeing a patient leave Cancer Focus NI feeling better about themselves than they did when they first came in is just lovely. My clients are always so grateful and appreciative for the help they get – they are delightful. The job is very rewarding and I’ve made many new friends,” she added.
“Having the service available in a number of locations is really crucial as it allows women who have already been through so much to visit a branch close to home without having to travel long distances. The private consultations are free and bras are reasonably priced.”
For more information call 028 9066 3281, email care@cancerfocusni.org or visitwww.cancerfocusni.org.
If you are concerned about cancer call the Cancer Focus NI free helpline on 0800 783 3339 and speak to a specialist cancer nurse.
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