Hussnain Ahmad
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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are plenty of ways to help the cause and make sure the breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families feel seen and supported. And while we love pink attire, accessories, and household appliances as much as the next person — and they, of course, get major bonus points when a portion of the proceeds goes to breast cancer research — you don’t need to get your pink on to support people with breast cancer. If you or someone close to you has breast cancer, and you’re looking for a way to pick up your own spirits or support them, it’s the practical products that matter.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 US women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. If breast cancer has affected you or someone close to you, some self-care or thoughtful gifting is one way you can find or provide support. And as it turns out, there are lots of high-quality products out there that are designed to support breast cancer patients with the mental, emotional, and physical effects of treatment.
When going through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, items like drainage belts, hospital gowns, and bras designed specifically for breast cancer patients will get plenty of good use. Post-recovery, you might be ready to check out bra inserts or nipple prosthetics. Or, you might just want a cute piece of jewelry or a book to pick up your spirits. Whatever it is, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the following products will make the treatment process and the path to recovery just a little bit easier and more comfortable.
A version of this story was published October 2019.
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Post-Surgery Mastectomy Recovery Pajamas
Image Credit: Inspired Comforts During treatment and surgery times, it’s essential to be as comfortable as possible. That means having a few sets of pajamas on hand that are easy to get on and off, and this cute pair checks off all of your needs. The top has a button closure and internal pockets that hold post-surgical drain materials. The bottoms also have a soft elastic that won’t cause any irritation.
Inspired Comforts Post Surgery Mastectomy Recovery Pajamas Set with Internal Drainage Pockets$50
on Amazon.com
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Athleta Empower Mastectomy Bra Insert
Image Credit: Athleta Post-mastectomy and ready to hit the gym or the running trail? Athleta has got you covered with these affordable bra inserts, which are designed for exercise but can also be worn every day. This is also a lighter option for women who find prosthetic inserts too heavy.
Athleta Empower Mastectomy Bra Insert$10.00
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Little Words Project Thriving Bracelet
Image Credit: Little Words Project If you’re looking to give a thoughtful gift to a patient or survivor, or just want to show your support for someone you love, snag this bracelet from Little Words Project. Made in collaboration with Bachelorette alum and Stage 4 breast cancer patient Katie Thurston, this beaded message is a powerful reminder to anyone going through a breast cancer diagnosis to focus on the now. “Breast cancer has a way of making you reevaluate your entire life and future,” Katie wrote of her design, per the website. “Let the past be the past…I’m here today and I’m thankful and I’m thriving.” One fun easter egg: the “IV” in “Thriving” honors the Stage IV community. The brand also gifts 25 percent of the sales from the bracelet to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Victoria’s Secret Seamless Mastectomy Bra
Image Credit: Victoria’s Secret This Victoria’s Secret mastectomy bra was designed for people who’ve had breast surgery, including a mastectomy, and reviewers say it really delivers. The material is soft and comfortable, the bra is front-zip and adjustable at the straps, and it includes hidden pockets in the front for pads or prosthetics. Just as important: it’s cute, sleek, and flattering to wear. One reviewer wrote that after her double mastectomy, “This has become my go-to sleeping bra,” while another noted that she only wears her other compression bras when this one is in the wash.
Victoria’s Secret Seamless Mastectomy Bra$50
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Lillia Butterfly Gold Enamel Delicate Chain Bracelet
Image Credit: Kendra Scott Jewelry designer Kendra Scott lost a close friend to breast cancer, and she honors her legacy through the Kendra Scott Foundation Breast Cancer Initiative: 20 percent of the purchase price from this bracelet and others on Scott’s site will provide grants to non-profits that support survivors and families affected by the disease. This delicate bracelet, which features sweet pink butterflies, makes a sentimental gift for those who mean the most to you.
Lillia Butterfly Gold Enamel Delicate Chain Bracelet$70
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Amoena Hannah Recovery Care Camisole
Image Credit: Amoena This camisole from Amoena is specially crafted for post-op recovery. It has a front zip that makes it gentle to put on. The top also has ultrasoft fabric and interior seams. There is also pockets that hold prosthetics or symmetry shapers.
Amoena Women’s Hannah Post-Surgery Front Close Camisole$61.10 $69.95 13% Off
on Amazon.com
Amoena Hannah Recovery Care Camisole$61.00
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LoveWithinUs Mastectomy Care Box
Image Credit: LoveWithinUs This thoughtful gift box contains a mug for warm drinks, a keychain, a sugar scrub, two essential oil roller blends, and a personalized card to write a thoughtful note on.
Mastectomy Care Box$55.50+
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USBD Post-Mastectomy Surgery Recovery Shirt
Image Credit: USBD After breast cancer surgery, many patients wear postsurgical drains to collect any fluid or air that has drained from the surgical site. This shirt contains four deep inner drainage pockets to conceal and hold those surgical drains. It’s super easy to get in and out of and is made of soft, comfortable material for sensitive, post-radiation skin. Plus, it comes in nine colors — easy to find your favorite or a shade your loved one will love.
Post-Mastectomy Surgery Recovery Shirt$14.95
on Amazon.com
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Mastectomy Pillow and Seatbelt Cushion
Image Credit: The Breast & Chest Buddy Store Make car rides a whole lot comfier after surgery with this smart pillow, which can be attached to a seatbelt and adjusted for your own specific needs.
Mastectomy Pillow and Seatbelt Cushion$22.50
on Amazon.com
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EBLsculpture Breast Cancer Awareness Hyper Realistic Nipple Prosthetics
Image Credit: EBLsculpture For something more permanent than bra inserts, you can go the route of ready-made prosthetic nipples. Available in six skin tones, there are two options: smaller and larger sizes. Handmade from high-quality silicone, these prosthetic nipples come in 16 skin tones and can last for years — so you’ll definitely be getting the most bang for your buck.
Breast Cancer Awareness Hyper Realistic Nipple Prosthetics$72.00
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‘The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer: Take Charge of Your Recovery and Remission’ by Janet Maker
Image Credit: Amazon. Drawing from her strong background in breast cancer research, Dr. Janet Maker’s guide is an empowering read and reference book for women with breast cancer. We all know ourselves best, and Maker offers insight for women seeking to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
‘The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer’$7.99
on Amazon.com
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Quince Washable Stretch Silk Voluminous Maxi Dress
Image Credit: Quince “Stylish” and “pretty” aren’t typically the first words that come to mind when we hear the words “hospital gown.” But for patients undergoing radiation treatments, that’s where Quince’s Washable Stretch Silk Voluminous Maxi Dress comes in. It’s a comfortable and beautiful gown that is a far superior alternative to the ones provided at the hospital.
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Voluminous Maxi Dress$150
Everlane TENCEL™ Puff-Sleeve Dress$126
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Ready For Recovery Breast Cancer Planner
Image Credit: Amazon A breast cancer diagnosis means you’ll have a world of information to keep track of, and this planner is designed to help patients and their loved ones navigate the treatment process. A year of calendar pages; logs to keep track of side effects; medication, chemo and radiation logs; helpful hints and words of inspiration; and a space to jot down questions are just a few of its features.
Ready For Recovery Breast Cancer Planner$63
on Amazon.com
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AnaOno Molly Plunge Bra
Image Credit: AnaOno This soft T-shirt bra is comfortable, even when your skin is sensitive, and provides support while healing from surgery. It’s wire-free, has removable modesty pads, and built-in pockets for adding breast form inserts, if you have them.
Anaono Molly Plunge Bra$65
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Mastectomy Drain Belt
Image Credit: Heal n Hope Rather not store your drains in a shirt? Slip this cute drain belt (it also comes in black, for a more subtle look) around your waist and place your drains in the convenient pockets on either side. Your shirt sits on top of the belt so you can go about your day without it peeking out.
Mastectomy Drain Belt$11.99
on Amazon.com
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Chest-Access Hoodie
Image Credit: Care+Wear Available in pink, red, turquoise, and navy, this hoodie was created in collaboration with Oscar de la Renta. Although that explains why it’s so nice to look at, the hoodie serves a far more practical and important purpose: It’s designed so clinicians will have easy access to the chest and port areas during procedures like chemotherapy, dialysis and long-term blood draws.
Chest-Access Hoodie$95
on Amazon.com
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‘I Am a Cancer Warrior: 20 Powerful Mantras to Color’ by Kathy Weller
Image Credit: Amazon. Adult coloring books are known for being soothing and calming, and this one is designed specifically for cancer patients. It features 20 empowering mantras to color and is the ideal way to unwind and reduce stress during an incredibly trying time.
‘I Am a Cancer Warrior’ Coloring Book$8.99
on Amazon.com
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Mastectomy Drain Mesh Shower Bag
Image Credit: Heal n Hope Showering can be a pain post-mastectomy, but this mesh shower bag for drains makes it a little easier. It can hang around your neck or waist while you shower, then set it over the rail or tub to dry overnight.
Mastectomy Drain Mesh Shower Bag$9.99
on Amazon.com
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AnaOno Post-Surgical Vest
Image Credit: AnaOno This vest features two strategically placed pockets that make it easy to hold and hide surgical drains, and if you have limited mobility post-surgery, you can slip it on via the snaps on either shoulder and the zipper opening in front. It’s made out of soft cotton fabric to keep you comfortable.
AnaOno Post-Surgical Vest$69
