Fitting service resumes in Derry for women undergoing breast cancer surgery

Face-to-face consultations are now taking place at the charity’s shop at 27a Shipquay Street,in Derry.

For women who are unable to travel to the Derry city centre premises however, Cancer Focus NI is also providing an online service.

Debbie Leslie, bra and swimwear fitting coordinator, Cancer Focus NI, said: “After surgery and treatment for breast cancer, some women feel less confident about their body and self-image after a very tough time in their lives.

“Feeling good in your clothes can make a real difference, which is why Cancer Focus NI provides this specialist fitting service to help women find the right bras and swimwear.

“We have a wide range of styles and help women find the right garment, in the right size, to suit them, so they can continue to wear the clothes they love. This patient support service is completely free and totally private.”

Debbie added: “We understand that some women will feel anxious about returning to face-to-face appointments.

“I want to reassure them that we have specially designated rooms that can be easily wiped down after each appointment and we are fully kitted out with PPE.

“I will talk through our new procedures with our clients before they attend, adhering to all the appropriate government guidelines.

“For online consultations and fittings, I will arrange a zoom meeting when I will talk through the measuring process with our client and help them choose the most suitable bra, which will be posted to them.

“In a second zoom meeting I will check that it is fitting correctly and advise how to make any necessary adjustments with straps and so on.

“It may not be an absolutely perfect fit but should be enough to get women through to the time when they can come to see one of our specialist staff in person,” Debbie said, adding:

“Already our clients have been saying how glad they are that we are resuming business.

“One lady had surgery a year ago and hasn’t had a proper fitting yet.

“Another has finished her chemotherapy. She is about to return to work and was so delighted to have a fitting, she just danced out of our meeting.

“It has given her so much more confidence at this crucial time.”

Anyone who would like to use this service should email [email protected] or call her on 07933 202 131.

Cancer Focus NI also provides an information and support Nurse Line to people worried about or affected by cancer on 0800 783 3339, Mondays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm, or you can email [email protected].