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News Wire / health

Artificial Breasts Provided To Ugandan Women

BBC World Service Kampala 16d12d Impact 5

A group of women in Kampala is implementing solutions to boost confidence for those undergoing treatment for breast cancer. O'Kello and Dr. Nyeko, are running a project involving the creation of realistic breast models using spongy material and beads. O'Kello was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The group was founded by survivors to provide aid and promote the message that the disease is treatable. The initiative aims to help patients recover and live full lives by sharing successful recovery stories. Traditional healer beliefs result in nearly 90% of cases not being diagnosed until later stages. Late diagnosis increases the likelihood of requiring a mastectomy and reduces survival rates. A woman named Warda received a free artificial breast to assist with social reintegration following a mastectomy. Okelo to address local stigma and superstition regarding breast removal.

A group of women in Kampala is implementing solutions to boost confidence for those undergoing treatment for breast cancer. O'Kello and Dr. Nyeko, are running a project involving the creation of realistic breast models using spongy material and beads. O'Kello was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The group was founded by survivors to provide aid and promote the message that the disease is treatable. The initiative aims to help patients recover and live full lives by sharing successful recovery stories. Traditional healer beliefs result in nearly 90% of cases not being diagnosed until later stages. Late diagnosis increases the likelihood of requiring a mastectomy and reduces survival rates. A woman named Warda received a free artificial breast to assist with social reintegration following a mastectomy. Okelo to address local stigma and superstition regarding breast removal. Artificial breasts are currently being provided for 40,000 shillings, approximately $10, per unit. Warda expressed intent to learn the manufacturing process to benefit others in the future.

Topics

breast cancer women's health healthcare access

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Sources · 7 independent

BBC World Service

“a group of women in Kampala the cup to of Uganda have a solution that can boost confidence.”

BBC World Service

“Instead, they are making artificial breasts. I make four parts. She then uses a sewing machine to stitch the fabric to form the...”

BBC World Service

“Instead, they are making artificial breasts. I make four parts. I watch as Anna uses a knitting machine to make pieces of cream knitted fabric.”

BBC World Service

“Warda fills the pocket with a sponge material. She then holds up a round pad that has a spiral of clear beads attached.”

BBC World Service

“machine to stitch sewing machine to stitch the fabric to form a up a round pad that has a spiral clear beads attached.”

BBC World Service

“We make them in different sizes so that any person can... The beads are added to give it some weight and a more realistic shape.”

BBC World Service

“The beads are added to give it some weight and a more realistic shape. When it gets dirty or sweaty, the cover can be taken off and washed.”

BBC World Service

“We make them in different sizes so that any person a round pad with a spiral clear beads attached. The beads are added to give it some weight and a more realistic shape.”

BBC WS backup

“When she was diagnosed, her family was convinced she would die. Nobody was saying anything, people are just crying.”

BBC WS backup

“They now charge 40,000 shillings or $10 for artificial breast which includes the cost of materials and labor. This compares as $200 for medical grade silicon ones.”

BBC WS backup

“They now charge 40,000 shillings or $10 for artificial breast which includes the cost of materials and labor.”

BBC WS backup

“They were soft, fitted in everyday bras and very practical. They last actually a few years, but women can always buy a new one if they want.”

BBC WS backup

“save lives, but also really just give women back their confidence. Yes. not know they had these artificial breasts.”

BBC Radio 4

“a group of women in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, have a solution that can boost confidence and help persuade patients to have the life-saving treatment.”

BBC Radio 4

“there's a lot of stigma around mastectomies, but a group of women in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, have a solution that can boost confidence and help persuade patients to have the life-saving treatment.”

RNZ National

“In Uganda now, where a small group of women are trying to challenge cultural taboos around breast cancer. A lack of awareness about symptoms, poor screening services and strong beliefs in traditional healers mean nearly 90% of cases aren't diagnosed until the later stages.”

RNZ National

“They set up the cancer aid organization. We needed to help our fellow ladies and gentlemen who suffer also from breast cancer to go and tell people out there that cancer can be treated.”

KQED FM

“To Uganda now, where a small group of women are trying to challenge cultural taboos around breast cancer. A lack of awareness about symptoms, poor screening services and strong beliefs in traditional healers.”

WAMU 88.5 DC

“strong beliefs in traditional healers mean nearly 90% of cases aren't diagnosed until the later stages. That makes it less likely people will survive and more likely they'll need a mastectomy”

KQED FM

“They now charge 40,000 shillings, or $10 for an artificial breast.”

KQED FM

“They now charge 40,000 shillings, or $10 for an artificial breast. [...] Mrs. Okelo was also able to offer Warda another lifeline, a free artificial breast which would help her blend in.”

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