For the first time in the UK, women of colour who have had a mastectomy are being offered soft prosthetics with a range of realistic skin tones. According to the London Royal Marsden, a specialist cancer treatment hospital, there is research that indicates that “the trauma of breast surgery can be lessened if the patient has an appropriate ‘softie’.”  

Specialist nurse at the Royal Marsden, Sarah Adomah, said, "Being given a softie in an inappropriate skin tone can make having a mastectomy even more upsetting.”

The Royal Marsden partnered with Nubian Skin, a lingerie and hosiery brand that provides essential underwear needs for women of colour, to create a range of softies for women of colour.

A ‘softie’ is a breast shape made from lightweight fabric that sits inside the bra. Some women use the softies temporarily while they await reconstructive surgery or a permanent silicone prosthetic. However, many women use them long term due to their comfort.

This new range of softies comes in seven sizes and four shades: berry, cinnamon, caramel and café au lait. They are currently only available for patients at the hospital but the Royal Marsden hopes to roll them out more widely across the UK, in conjunction with Nubian Skin.

Breast surgeon at the Royal Marsden, Natalie Johnson, called the product "a true representation of patient-centred care".