Temporary Breast Forms
After mastectomy, some women choose to wear a temporary breast form. They are soft “fluffy” breast forms of cotton that can be worn pinned in a regular bra. This can help to fill out your clothes but does not have the weight or shape of your breast. If you choose, you can wear if immediately after surgery. In Victoria, temporary breast forms are available from the Breast Health Patient Navigator. In other island communities, please ask at your local hospital or contact call the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service line at 1.888.939.3333.
Breast Prosthesis Bank
The Canadian Cancer Society's Breast Prosthesis Bank (BPB) provides free, permanent breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras to women for whom the purchase of a new prosthesis is beyond their financial reach and are not otherwise covered by medical insurance.
To qualify, you must have no extended or private health insurance, an annual net family income lower than $42,000 and/or are unable to finance the purchase of new mastectomy supplies. Women are advised to check with their Medical Services Plan (Fair Pharmacare) to find out their annual deductible amount and coverage information for mastectomy supplies.
The Breast Prosthesis Bank is supplied through generous donations of various manufacturers and individuals, so sizes and styles can be limited. The BPB is accessible to women in British Columbia.
In Victoria, the BPB is located at the Breast Health Centre at VGH. Please call (250) 727-4467 or (250) 592-2244 to arrange an appointment for a volunteer to assist you. If you live outside the Victoria area, please call the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service at 1.888.939.3333 to determine the closest BPB to you.
Breast Prosthesis Stores
Many local shops have trained prosthesis fillters and offer a variety of breast forms, bras and bathing suits for owmen who have had nay type of breast surgery. Ask your doctor for a prescription and local shops.
You can also search the Canadian Cancer Society's Community Services Directory for prosthesis stores.
Fittings are usually done four to six weeks following surgery and can be done in the store or in your home (a fee may be charged for home visits). However, you can decide if and when you are ready to select a bra and prosthesis. Breast forms and bras are covered under various medical insurance plans.
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Wig Bank
The Canadian Cancer Society loans wigs, scarves and scarf patterns for women and men losing their hair due to chemotherapy. There is no charge for this service.
In Victoria, scarves and wigs can be picked up at the Vancouver Island Lodge at 2202 Richmond Rd. Monday to Friday, Phone: (250) 592-2662.
If you live outside of the Victoria area, please contact the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service at 1.888.939.3333 to determine the closest wig bank to you.
If you wish to purchase wigs, hair replacements, scarves, turbans or hats, wig makers find it helpful to see clients before they begin to lose their hair. Please contact your medical insurance plan to discuss coverage for wigs.For a list of wig stores, contact the Canadian Cancer Society or search their Community Services Directory by postal code.
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