Underwear shopping is, let's face it, every woman's nightmare. Firstly, you have to find something that actually looks nice. Then there's the matter of getting it to fit properly.
For women who have undergone a mastectomy following breast cancer, this arduous task is multiplied further.
Where do you shop for this kind of underwear? Will it look nice? How will it fit my shape? Will it still be supportive? The questions go on...
Thankfully, there's more and more choice available when it comes to mastectomy bras, particularly as popular retailers (Debenhams and Marks & Spencer included) are opting to sell the specially-designed underwear.
That's choice sorted, but how do you find a good bra which will fit properly?
Experts at Anita have put together a selection of tips and tricks for selecting post-surgery styles:
:: Wide, comfortable and adjustable straps are crucial for reducing the risk of Lymphodema developments.
:: Good separation between the cups, with a deeper centre that sits against the breastbone will ensure the breast form is secured firmly and cannot be visible if the wearer bends forward. Deeper cups are also preferable.
:: Opt for deep side wings under the arms and no stiffeners to avoid rubbing or chafing on the scar tissue from lymph gland removal.
:: Appropriate depth in the cup will accommodate the breast form.
:: Pocketed bras are best for housing the breast.
:: For optimum comfort, opt for bras with soft fabrics and seams.
:: As advised by surgeons, we have found that wire free bras are, generally, better.
:: Multi-sectioned or pre-formed cups generally give a better and fuller shape.
Celebrities Who Have Faced Breast Cancer
Kylie Minogue(01 of10)
Open Image ModalSally Dyvenor(02 of10)
Open Image ModalJennifer Saunders (03 of10)
Open Image ModalLike many women, Jennifer Saunders thought that because she had no family history of breast cancer, she wasn't at risk of the disease. So when the comedienne went for a mammogram in 2009, she assumed the results would be clear. She told the Telegraph: "I had no family history of breast cancer and I had breastfed, which I sort of thought exempted you."But sadly the scan did detect a small cancerous lump. After undergoing a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Jennifer went public about her illness in the summer of 2010. The final part of Jennifer's treatment involved taking the drug Tamoxifen, which plunged her into the menopause and subsequently a bout of depression. But four years on, the BAFTA-winning writer is in good health: "I'm pleased to say that life is good again," she told the Telegraph. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sharon Osbourne(04 of10)
Open Image ModalHaving fought breast cancer off once, Sharon Osbourne discovered she carried a faulty gene that put her at high risk of contracting the disease again. Like Angelina Jolie, she opted to have a preventative double mastectomy.She said: "As soon as I found out I had the breast cancer gene, I thought, 'the odds are not in my favour'. I’ve had cancer before and I didn’t want to live under that cloud. I decided to just take everything off, and had a double mastectomy." (credit:Katy Winn/Invision/AP)
Cynthia Nixon(05 of10)
Open Image ModalOlivia Newton-John(06 of10)
Open Image ModalAnastacia(07 of10)
Open Image ModalSinger Anastacia has fought off breast cancer twice and in 2013 had a double mastectomy. She said in an inspiring statement during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2013:"l was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time earlier this year and am currently in the final stages of recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy."It has been an intense journey but l am feeling great and ready to start the next chapter."Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives all who are facing this disease a chance to gain strength and support from each other."Early detection has saved my life twice. I will continue to battle and lend my voice in anyway I can." (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Sam Taylor-Johnson (née Taylor-Wood)(08 of10)
Open Image ModalSheryl Crow(09 of10)
Open Image ModalDame Maggie Smith(10 of10)
Open Image ModalDame Maggie Smith, one of the country's best-loved actresses, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. The courageous star was filming Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, while undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment.She said the experience of having cancer had “very much” changed her: “I think it’s the age I was when it happened. It knocks you sideways. It takes you longer to recover, you are not so resilient. I am fearful of the amount of energy one needs to be in a film or a play.”But despite her ordeal, she held onto her sense of humour throughout. She said of filming Harry Potter...: “I was hairless. I had no problem getting the wig on. I was like a boiled egg." (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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