Natalie Johnson & Sarah Adomah, Royal Marsden
Nubian Skin has developed in partnership with The Royal Marsden* NHS Foundation Trust, the UK’s first range of softies in a diverse range of colours, following funding by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The news comes a year after Nubian Skin launched its breast cancer awareness campaign in October 2021.
The softie is a lightweight fabric prosthesis that women with breast cancer are often provided with after a mastectomy to wear in their bra. Whilst some women go on to use a permanent silicon prosthesis, many continue to wear a softie throughout their lives. Despite their wide use, a survey of 100 women of colour by Black Women Rising** revealed that nearly three-quarters of women of colour are not offered a softie or prosthesis that matches their skin tone.
Following feedback from patients, Natalie Johnson (a Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at The Royal Marsden) and Sarah Adomah (Lead Breast Clinical Nurse specialist) approached Nubian Skin to create softies in a diverse range of colours.
Ade Hassan, MBE, the founder of Nubian Skin, said: “Breast cancer is a disease that has affected my family and family members of the Nubian Skin team, so when I was approached about this project, I knew instantly that I wanted to help in any way I could. It has been an honour for Nubian Skin to work with The Royal Marsden to create these softies and to help in a small way in the recovery of the women who are dealing with an often life-changing diagnosis.”
Natalie Johnson of The Royal Marsden commented: “We are extremely grateful to our partner Nubian Skin for making this range a reality and to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity for supporting the project. We’ve just produced our first batch of inclusive softies which are being issued to breast cancer patients following surgery. We hope this range, which is a true representation of patient-centred care, will eventually be distributed in all cancer centres in the UK.”
Sarah Adomah of The Royal Marsden, added: “For many women, having a mastectomy is incredibly traumatic and being given a softie in an inappropriate skin tone can make the experience even more upsetting. Ensuring that all breast cancer patients are given a softie that’s right for them is vital and I’m so proud to have helped bridge this gap in care.”
Ade Hassan, MBE, Founder of Nubian Skin
*The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. With The Institute of Cancer Research, it is the largest and most comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, seeing and treating over 59,000 NHS and private patients every single year.
**Black Women Rising is a project founded by Leanne Pero that aims to raise awareness of cancer amongst people of colour, advocate for their needs and provide support.
