The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program is a new Australian Government initiative to provide reimbursement of up to $400 for both new and replacement external breast prostheses to all eligible women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. The $400 limit applies for each prosthesis for each breast.
The Australian Government’s reimbursement program will commence on 1 December 2008 with Medicare Australia administering the reimbursements. External breast prostheses purchased from 1 July 2008 will be eligible for reimbursement. Once a claim has been made, reimbursements for replacement prostheses can be claimed no earlier than two years from the date of purchase of the last prosthesis.
Medicare fact sheet (596kb pdf)
Women can access more information about the program, including eligibility criteria and claim form by:
- visiting the Medicare Australia website,
- contacting Medicare Australia on 132 011 (call charges may apply),
- visiting a Medicare Australia office.
Use of external prostheses
A breast prosthesis or breast form is usually made of silicon gel. It is worn inside your bra and closely copies the natural contours of the breast. You can also get fibre filled forms for leisure and when in the spa or sauna. Attachable breast forms have special adhesive strips. These allow moisture and perspiration to be absorbed to avoid overheating.
Prostheses come in different sizes and shapes as well as different degrees of firmness. There are also special prostheses for women who have had breast conserving surgery. There is an extensive range of sizes and shapes available off the shelf from a prosthesis fitter. Alternatively you can have a custom prosthesis made.
Breast prostheses help restore your body image after surgery. In most normal clothes it is impossible to tell that a woman is wearing a prosthesis. Breast prostheses also help to maintain good posture and balance, particularly for women who have larger breasts.
You should be able to wear a normal bra with a prosthesis. The bra should fit well and be of medium to firm control. You could get a pocket sewn into your bra or sew two ribbons across the inside to hold the prosthesis. There are also some very pretty bras which are designed to hold a prosthesis.
You may be able to use existing swimwear. Some women are worried about wearing a prosthesis while swimming either because of appearance or for fear the prosthesis may fall out. Mastectomy swimwear (which is specially designed to hold a prosthesis securely) is available from a number of outlets in Australia.
Most women who do not have reconstructive surgery wear a prosthesis, although some don't.
Prices for prostheses vary, but those made from foam generally are less expensive than those made from silicon.
Prosthesis Checklist
Temporary prosthesis:
- You can obtain a temporary prosthesis from the hospital after your mastectomy
- The Cancer Council can provide you with a temporary prosthesis
- You can pin the temporary prosthesis inside your bra, singlet or camisole.
Getting your prosthesis:
- If you have radiation treatment, wait till 6-8 weeks after this is completed before purchasing a prosthesis
- Ask other people about their experiences and what suited them
- It is best to have the prosthesis fitted by a trained fitter
- Lighter breast prostheses for sport and leisure activities are available
- The fitter can also provide special bras and swimsuits and advise you about care and storage of your prosthesis
- Get shoulder cushions for your bra if the straps cut in after checking you are wearing the right size.
- Make an appointment for a fitting for your prosthesis
- Most prostheses come with a warranty period.
Getting a good fit:
- Take a T-shirt with you so you can check the final result looks natural
- Check that the prosthesis fills your bra cup at both top and bottom
- Place the flat of your hand on top of the prosthesis and your natural breast and compare size and softness. A softer silicone will give a more natural shape
- Stand upright and check in the mirror for shape and a good match to your natural breast
- Feel with your hand, then swing your arms back and forth to check the form is not too full under your arm.
Care of your prosthesis:
- Avoid wearing a silicone filled prosthesis in the sauna or spa as the silicon may heat up against your skin. Try a fibre fill form.
- Handwash your prosthesis daily
- Store the prosthesis in the specially designed box it came in, so it keeps its shape
- Most prostheses last around 2 years.
