Volunteers knit bra inserts for breast cancer survivors to dress well, regain confidence

Straits Times

06-06-2025

Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo launching Knitted Knockers@NHG, where volunteers can knit and distribute the bra inserts, on June 6. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
SINGAPORE - 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, t he 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.
'You want to provide the best clinical care and are equally keen to support the emotional well-being of your patients . The fact that you have put as priority helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and confidence – particularly for women who have had to go through mastectomies – is admirable ,' she said at the event.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (right) greeting breast cancer survivor Lyn Ee.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Mrs Teo also shared the story of Ms Carmelita Calesagsag, her family's foreign domestic helper of 27 years who is a breast cancer survivor.
The 61-year-old Filipina , fondly called Carmen by the Teos, has been working for the family for 27 years.
Mrs Teo said: 'I remember vividly the day she was diagnosed. After she had reported a lump, Carmen had been sent by our family doctor to be properly tested. Parliament was in session when I received Carmen's phone call. I guessed it was bad news, because she would otherwise have waited till I got home .
'Over the next few weeks, I saw her struggle with fear and despair. Against the advice of some, we decided she should be treated in Singapore instead of being sent home. Now, 17 years later, we are glad we made that choice. Carmen is fully recovered. She watched all three of our children become working adults and remains very much a part of our family.'
Ms Carmelita Calesagsag (right) has been working for Mrs Teo's family for 27 years.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOSEPHINE TEO
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Singapore, making up nearly 30 per cent of all cancers diagnosed among women here.
The incidence here has more than tripled over the past 50 years, to 74 cases per 100,000 women now – one of the highest in Asia.
The Breast Clinic has performed more than 6,100 breast cancer surgical operations since 2010 and over 450 in 2024 alone, the largest number within the NHG cluster last year .
One of the clinic's latest innovations is endoscopic breast surgery that combines keyhole mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction.
The minimally invasive procedure is performed in the same setting by both a specially trained breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Cancerous tissue is removed from the affected breast, which is immediately reconstructed by the plastic surgeon using the patient's own skin, fat, and blood vessels.
Since its introduction at the clinic in November 2024, three of its patients have undergone this advanced dual procedure.
The first patient to undergo the procedure was polytechnic lecturer Kwa Sai Geok, 62, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer during a routine mammogram in 2024.
Polytechnic lecturer Kwa Sai Geok was the first patient to undergo endoscopic breast surgery at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Breast Clinic.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KWA SAI GEOK
Describing herself as 'a forward-looking person and always trying my best to shorten the time to pull myself back up', Madam Kwa said she opted for the keyhole mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgery to future-proof her health.
'I did not feel any pain during the four-day stay in hospital... and life was back to normal about four months after my right hand fully recovered with the help of the TTSH physiotherapist,' she said.
Dr Ang Wei-Wen, a consultant from Breast Surgery Service at TTSH, said that not everyone is suitable for the minimal-scar endoscopic mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
'This is due to various factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the location and size of the tumour,' he said.
Dr Ang said the next step would be to use robotics for the procedure.
'It is the future of breast surgery and already a trend in South Korea. It has more dexterity than a human surgeon, leading to smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery,' he added.
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