Volunteers Knit Inserts to Boost Breast Cancer Survivors' Confidence

Initiative to make, give out inserts launched as TTSH Breast Clinic celebrates 15 years

- Judith Tan

In her quest to find the right filling for her bra after undergoing mastectomy, breast cancer survivor Lyn Ee, 74, discovered Knitted Knockers, soft breast prostheses made from cotton yarn.

"They not only provide a gentler, softer alternative to the traditional breast prosthetics that can be hot and heavy, they also give back to breast cancer survivors their looks, confidence and peace of mind," Ms Ee said.

Today, 10 years after her discovery, the soft mounds of cotton yarn are being distributed free at all restructured hospitals in Singapore to women who have had mastectomy.

Wanting to share her discovery of the prostheses with others here, Ms Ee in 2015 founded Knitted Knockers Singapore, the local chapter of the American non-profit that has expanded internationally, gathering a group of volunteers to knit the bra inserts to give to breast cancer patients.

Knitted Knockers@NHG (National Healthcare Group), where volunteers can knit and distribute the bra inserts, was launched on June 6 by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

Speaking at an event marking the 15th anniversary of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Breast Clinic, Mrs Teo cited the initiative as an example of the good work the clinic has done.