Innovation gives hope to breast cancer survivors

Years ago, women breast cancer survivors were worried that the disease, the loss of that focal point of the body would weaken their womanliness and sexual appeal.

For the rich who can afford artificial breasts (prostheses) retailing for up to Sh25,000, they have managed to at least hide the post-surgery scar.

Sadly, that is yet to change for many Kenyans who cannot afford the prostheses and special brassieres worn after mastectomy.

But for Elizabeth Ragui, who had breast cancer 12 years ago, misfortune has spurred innovation.

Through Hope Beyond Cancer Trust, Ms Ragui, together with other cancer survivors and patients, make artificial prostheses (breast foams) using washable fibre and cotton materials in Nairobi’s Langa’ata estate.

They distribute these breast foams for free especially to young women who are self-conscious about their physical appearance.

“We give out a kit which has breast foams, armpit cushions and brochures on health tips and wadding off stress,” said Ms Ragui. 

“I have seen members die simply because they could not afford treatment. I wanted to give back with the little support that I can.”

They source the washable fibre and soft cotton material from local shops. A kilogramme of fibre which they get at Sh700 makes about 30 pieces of breast foams.

“We go for fine cotton since it is friendly on the scar after mastectomy. We have a tailor who makes the cotton pockets, which we then fill with the fibre material,” she said.

The group also sells special brassieres that hold the artificial breast foam for Sh500. Most of the imported post-mastectomy bras in selected shops cost Sh3,500.

In their non-perfect shape, Ms Ragui’s artificial breast foams are filling a void in society, she says.

“I have seen women break down after being given the breast foams. Most of them cover their chests with shawls or wear baggy sweaters even under scorching temperatures just to hide that part,” Ms Ragui said, adding the improvised breast foams are comfortable. “I actually use them,” she said.

Breast prostheses are among cancer rehabilitation products that are beyond the reach of many survivors and patients.

“For a woman to lose her breast is worse than the cancer itself — so you can imagine what damage mastectomy causes to survivors,” Ms Ragui said.

Breast cancer remains the leading cancer type among Kenyan women with more than 50 per cent of the cases presenting in women below the age of 50.

More than 4,500 women and men are diagnosed with the disease annually and 2,000 die. But as the numbers continue to soar, less attention is given to cancer rehabilitation products.

David Makumi, the chairman of Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (Kenco), said that he has seen breast cancer survivors going into depression because they imagine that the society looks at them differently without a breast.

Social places

There is a need to prepare social places to accept breast cancer survivors, he appeals.

“They feel that when they walk into an office or church, everyone’s eyes are fixed on their chest area trying to scan which breast was removed. If we want survivors not to quit and have them back to work as a new normal, we need to ensure that their rehabilitation is considered,” he said.

He said that the government should exempt products such as mastectomy bras and prostheses from taxation to ease the financial burden on users.
Breast prosthesis, depending on the manufacturer and availability would range between Sh4,000 and Sh20,000.

He said that government should either zero rate these products or have them distributed under the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) and the National Hospital Insurance Fund where prostheses will be covered under added benefits.

Urine bags, adult diapers, artificial breasts, colostomy or ileostomy bags are not listed as goods exempt from tax or zero rated in the First and Second Schedules of the VAT Act 2013. The products attract 16 per cent value added tax and customs duty.

Mr Makumi said these cancer rehabilitation products make an important part of therapy and those awaiting surgery should be shown what is available in the market before the operation.

Ninety per cent of breast cancer patients don’t get an opportunity to see the options they have after surgery yet they should know what to expect, he said.

But the bottom line for breast cancer survivors, he said: “Your femininity is not determined by whether or not you have breasts.’’