Whelehans Health Blog

Women who choose a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) may decide on reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, but many choose breast prosthesis. Breast prosthesis is an artificial breast which is worn after the mastectomy. It helps balance the body and allows a bra to fit naturally on the side of the mastectomy and prevents potential problems such as back and neck pain and shoulder sagging downwards which can lead to aches and pains. Prostheses are designed to be similar weight, texture and feel to natural breast tissue. Depending on the type of surgery and the preference of the woman, a prosthesis can adhere directly to the chest, while some fit into pockets of mastectomy bras that hold the prosthesis in place. The surface of the prostheses can have an artificial nipple or a specific shape depending on your shape prior to surgery and preferences.

Types of prosthetic devices

External silicone breast prosthesis. Composed of silicone and aims to be similar in texture and weight to natural breast tissue. It is designed to prevent problems such as shoulder drop and poor balance.

Non-silicone breast prosthesis. Made of light-weight foam or fiberfill meaning that it can be worn soon after a mastectomy. The light weight means it is convenient to be worn during exercise, swimming and in hotter weather.

Postsurgical soft-form camisole. Designed to be worn immediately after surgery and is often a temporary solution until a more permanent prosthesis is fitted. It is made of a soft and stretchy type material with lace elastic straps.

For advice and information on breast prosthesis and bra fitting post breast surgery, contact Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC at 1890 719 719

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Irish women have a 1 in 12 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Only about five to ten per cent of breast cancers are believed to have a family link. Approximately 80%of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years. Early diagnosis is a key to surviving breast cancer. If you notice any change in your breasts, see your GP as soon as possible. 9 out of 10 suspicious lumps are not cancerous. Pain isn’t usually a sign of breast cancer. If you have pain in one or both breasts, rest assured it’s probably due to hormonal changes, a benign cyst, a ligament strain or another condition; however it is important to get unexplained pain checked by your GP. More common warning signs of breast cancer include a palpable lump, a change in the size or shape of the breast, puckering of the skin, nipple changes (like scaling or discharge), or increased warmth. A mammogram (X-ray of the breast) is the most common way to check for breast cancer. 80.6% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for 5 years or longer; early detection is the key to survival.

Importance of self-checks

74% of Irish women with breast cancer discovered the lump themselves.

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

 This is a continuation of last week’s article in the Westmeath Examiner on dry eyes. This week I discuss treatment options. Many cases of dry eyes is caused by medication (both prescription or over the counter) such as anti-histamines, blood pressure medication, some anti-depressants anti-inflammatory medicines. Where medicines are causing severe dry eye problems, you can discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if there are alternative options that do not cause the problem (eg. newer anti-depressants do not cause as many dry eyes issues). In some cases there is no safe alternative. In these cases, artificial tears are the only effective treatment option.