Bra-fitting service is launched

Bra-fitting service is launched

26 September 2018

BREAST cancer survivor Betty McKee has taken on a brand new voluntary role giving vital support to local women in the Downpatrick and Newcastle area.

Betty, a retired psychiatric nurse, is one of a number of local women who have volunteered to become a specialist bra and swimwear fitter for women who have gone through breast cancer surgery.

The free bra-fitting service has been set up by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland at Ballymote Centre, Killough Road, Downpatrick.

Before the new service starts on Monday, most women would have travelled to Belfast to be fitted for a new bra post surgery.

The new service has been given the support and approval of breast cancer survivor and former SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie.

Having come through surgery, chemotherapy and radio therapy since being diagnosed in February, the politician said she felt emotional when addressing those gathered as the launch on Monday.

“The last seven months have been a whirlwind but I can’t say how impressed I am by the women of the Downpatrick breast cancer support group who have been instrumental in helping Cancer Focus set up this invaluable local service,” she said.

“Being fitted for a bra after your surgery is very important to a woman’s recovery and how she feels afterwards and many women will be benefit from this local service now and into the future.

“I would urge women to make an appointment and to make full use of the service and of course to go for a regular mammogram.”

Betty came in contact with Cancer Focus NI 12 years ago when she joined the charity’s local breast cancer support group after her own diagnosis.

“I’ll never forget that day – October 24, 2001,” she said. “I took my grandson to an appointment with our GP. While I was there I mentioned that I had found a lump in my breast. I was feeling great, working away at my job. 

“The doctor said it might be nothing but referred me to the breast clinic for a further check.

“I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy on the same day and then I was told I had breast cancer. I was so shocked. The youngest of my three sons was only 13 at the time.”

However, Betty said that having the calm, reassuring support of her husband really helped her cope. 

“I had a partial mastectomy on November 11 and was in hospital for a week,” she continued. 

“That was followed by radiotherapy but after that I was well enough to return to work. It was a difficult time but we have all come through it. Now I love being able to reassure and support other women going through the same experience.”

Other service volunteers are Anna Cullen, Marilyn Prior and Sylvia Calvert. Anna and Marilyn are also former nurses.

Betty added: “We’ve been trained on how to measure up properly for bras and swimwear so that our clients are getting the best support and shape possible.”

“It’s a very discreet and confidential service and we do our best to make people feel at ease. There is a private area where clients can change and tea and coffee is provided. “Ladies can bring a relative or friend with them too. The fitting service is free of charge, and the items are sold at wholesale prices, though there is no obligation to buy.”

Cancer Focus NI has a range of other services, such as counselling, art  and writing therapies and family support. 

The bra fitting service is open on Mondays from 10am to 2pm. To make an appointment, call 07971 061593 or email care@cancerfocusni.org.

If you have any concerns about cancer, call the Cancer Focus NI NurseLine on 0800 783 3339.