Research participants (L-R) Miriam Johnson, Ingrid Kilshaw, Celeste Ingram, at the University of Portsmouth's Research Group in Breast Health lab
Teams from the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are working together to apply cutting-edge breast biomechanics technology to help breast cancer sufferers for the first time.
Breast cancer remains one of the UK's biggest health challenges. It's the most common cancer in the UK, and one of the leading causes of death for women under 50.*
By working with healthy women and athletes, Portsmouth University's world-leading Research Group in Breast Health (RGBH) has developed unique methods to understand how best to support breasts.
This new project extends this innovative research into cancer patients for the first time. The long term aim is to improve post-operative and post-radiotherapy bra design for women to:
- Improve comfort and quality of life
- Reduce the potential for tissue damage, both in the immediate recovery phase and longer-term
- Help women return to exercise
The project will also help women decide which surgical options to choose between, giving them data-driven choices for the first time.
Breast cancer patients who undergo surgery and radiotherapy experience changes in the shape, size, structure, movement and feel of their breasts.
Part funded by Wessex Health Partners , the study uses sensors and motion detectors attached to the breast and torso, together with 3D scanning. Professional bra fitting following biomechanics testing assesses support requirements. The study is also gathering participant feedback on bras and exercise following breast cancer treatment.
Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr , Professor of Biomechanics and Research Group in Breast Health Lead (also known as The Bra Professor), said: "This is a really new, novel project. All our previous research has been with healthy populations and we've always excluded any patients who've had any kind of surgical procedures to the breast.
"To date, there's been no research looking at the changes in the movement and the support requirements of the breast post surgery. The bra manufacturing industry asks us for this data, and now we will be able to share it with them."
Associate Prof Edward St John, breast cancer surgeon at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust , said: "Breast cancer is a huge issue, with 1 in 7 women receiving a diagnosis in the UK. We want to see if we can use this technology to help us understand more about the consequences of breast surgery and discover if we can design better bras for breast cancer sufferers in the future."
It is hoped the results of the study will be applicable nationwide and ultimately internationally.
