Dr. Rohini Patil, a gynaecologist and a 17 year breast cancer survivor from Nagpur was shocked at the lack of awareness about breast prosthesis after mastectomy. She decided to do something about it.
Tell us a little about how Knitted Knockers Nagpur came into being.
India is seeing an increase in the incidence of cancer, more worrisome is its increase incidence in the younger population. In India 1 in 22 women have a life time risk of getting diagnosed with Breast Cancer, this is alarming. I am a 17+ year breast cancer survivor and I see how pervasive the lack of awareness regarding breast cancer is in our society. One of the surgical treatments for breast cancer which is mastectomy doesn’t just affect the patient for the time being but also for years to come. It is cause for great mental, physical & psychological agony for the survivor. It creates a negative body image and many seclude themselves socially. In our country, many people aren’t aware that there is something called as breast prosthesis or if they know about it, they cannot afford one. In one of my breast cancer awareness talks, I met with a woman who was using a small bamboo basket in place of a prosthesis and it was causing irritation and abrasion to her skin. That was the moment which moved me and inspired me to work on affordable breast prosthesis for breast cancer survivors.
I got in touch with Barbara Demorest, founder of Knitted Knockers USA and learnt how to size and make these prostheses. I got in touch with several like-minded people here in India and shared my objectives and we all came together to provide the women in our country with these Knitted Knockers.
What is the aim of this initiative?
The aim of this initiative is to help Breast cancer survivors to feel like ‘themselves’ again after the surgery. To make them realize that Cancer doesn’t take a part away from them but provides them with a renewed strength to live and a new perspective on life.
Why is it important to wear breast prosthesis post-mastectomy?
Not only is it helpful for a positive body image and comfort but also helps patients in maintaining postures by preventing shoulder drop and problems with balance.
Who makes these prostheses and how are they compensated?
We are a completely nonprofit group and we work with several volunteers to make these prosthesis. The yarn is donated to us and we distribute it to our volunteers. Some volunteers are able to afford their own yarn too.
How are the prosthesis made and procured? What are the materials used to make them?
Breast prosthesis are knitted or crocheted and we use 100% cotton yarn to make them. We buy yarn and accept donations for the same. If needed, we can also send this yarn to people who wish to contribute to our cause but cannot procure the yarn.
How is it used? Is it a pocket insert?
Knitted knockers do not require a pocketed bra and can be directly inserted in any regular bra.(pic below)
Why is it a better product compared to other available prosthesis?
Knitted knockers are more comfortable and the shape and contour is highly customizable, which isn’t the case with silicone prosthesis. These prostheses are soft, breathable and washable and can be used directly after surgery as they are really lightweight. The breathable nature also helps in prevention of sweating. In addition, we also make aqua breast prosthesis to be used for swimming. All the prostheses come in fun cheerful colours to choose from.
How do you go about tutoring and maintaining quality and production?
Tutoring is done in person whenever possible and we also conduct problem solving sessions through video calls. Instructional videos and PDFs are provided to people so they can get off on a clear start. We closely monitor the source of yarn for all our volunteers and they send us the first prosthesis they have made for us to approve. Only post approval of the first sample, they are given the go-ahead to produce more.
Is this product free of cost? How can one order it?
Knitted knockers are completely free and we can be reached through email or phone by someone who needs these or is interested in being a part of Knitted Knockers.
Here s how you can make a difference:
1) You can knit knockers and send it to us which will then be supplied to women all over this country.
2) Your donations can help further this cause. Donations can be monetary, yarn or any other form that you feel will help us in achieving our goal in reaching out to the breast cancer survivors in this country.
Snehaanchal Sankalp
Contact Name: Rohini Patil
Email: knittedknockersnagpur@gmail.com
Address: Aniket Nursing Home, 272-A,Laxminagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 440022
Phone: +919423565264
Lokesh Saksena
Email: lsaksena@yahoo.com
Address: DelhiIndia
Phone: +91 981 843 4880
SAAISHA INDIA
Contact Name: JAYASHREE RATAN
Email: saaisha.india@gmail.com
Address: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, India
Phone: +919820042953
Alternate no: +919820185320
