Aesthetics and comfort requirements of breast prosthesis in the case of mastectomy in cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose The objective of this study is to investigate an appropriate breast prosthesis of pattern with center of gravity that exerts less clothing pressure on women who are breast cancer patients. Design/methodology/approach From November 2018, clothing pressure was measured with silk fabric breast prosthesis (SBP) of three different patterns above an affected breast (AB) by the force-sensitive resistance (FSR) sensor. Findings When wearing SBP above the AB, clothing pressure was significantly different in the healthy breast (HB) and the AB; the highest clothing pressure was at the center of nipple in the AB. Meanwhile, the top of the nipple area in the HB experienced higher clothing pressure than before wearing it. Because wearing heavy breast prosthesis presses down, influencing the HB as well. However, below the bottom of the breast bra curve in the AB, clothing pressure becomes lower than before wearing it. Because when the breast prosthesis was inserted into the bra, the clothing pressure not only increased generally but also the clothing pressure divided at some areas. Also, when comparing three different patterns of SBP, the result indicated a significant difference in clothing pressure only inside of breast cap and the center of gravity of the lower breast prosthesis has the lowest clothing pressure. Research limitations/implications A comparison in pressure based on a circuit design (FSR sensors) and an air pack (AP) device was presented. Further work will be focused on the generation of pressure clothing for breast cancer patients. Originality/value The paper demonstrates that wearing breast prosthesis with a center of gravity in the lower position from the nipple area has less effect on breast cancer women. The results of this paper facilitate the pattern design of clothing for patients.