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Press release / Opal lingerie launches mastectomy lines

Press release issued for Frome lingerie boutique, Opal

Opal, the newly-opened lingerie boutique on Frome’s Catherine Hill, has this month launched its much-awaited line of prosthesis brassieres and swimwear for women who have had a mastectomy.

Offering a free fitting service and advice, shop owner Randa Bott hopes Opal will be able to help many breast cancer sufferers in the area.  For each sale from these new lines £1 will be donated to Positive Action on Cancer, to support the local counselling service offered to those affected by cancer.

It’s important for women to feel confident about their appearance and this is particularly the case after breast cancer surgery,” said Jean Slocombe, a Senior Cancer Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK.

“Finding the right advice about bras and lingerie can be crucial in helping women feel good.”

Mrs Bott commented:

“Since opening I’ve had several inquiries from women who have had this operation and found themselves at a loss as to where to buy a bra.  Women no longer have to settle for second-best when it comes to prosthesis bras and I’m confident that the introduction of these lines will benefit women in Frome and beyond.”

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK and more than 44,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, which is more than 100 women a day.

The South West has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer across the UK at 133.2 cases diagnosed in every 100,000 women, which is above the UK average of 120.6.

Statistics from the NHS also show that, in the financial year 2005-6, there were more than 1,800 admissions for total excision of the breast in the area covered by the South West Strategic Health Authority.

Positive Action on Cancer is a free professional counselling service for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis; patients, family, friends and carers.  The main service is situated in the centre of Frome and other services are available in Bath and Warminster.  To learn more please call 01373 455 255 or email enquiries@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk 

Eight out of ten breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and, in England, the NHS breast screening programme picks up around 14,000 cases of breast cancer each year.  For more information, visit the Cancer Research UK patient information website, http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=195

Women can also speakto one of the Cancer Research UK Information nurses directly, on 0808 800 4040, who are available from Monday to Friday, 9am -5pm.  To download a copy of the advisory booklet, ‘A Confident Choice’, visit http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=4579

Based at the foot of Catherine Hill, Opal also offers an exquisite range of design-led underwear, sportswear, camisoles, hosiery and fine fragrances for women of all sizes.  Randa also plans to introduce her own range of stylish made-to-measure feminine lingerie to the boutique.

For a discreet and complimentary fitting, please call in to the boutique at 33 Catherine Hill, or telephone to book a suitable time on 01373 455587.

Notes to editors

About Positive Action on Cancer (PAC)

PAC is a free professional one-to-one counselling service for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.  This includes family, friends and carers as well as cancer patients. Positive Action on Cancer also offers counselling for people bereaved by cancer.

One of the Bath services is located at the Cancer Information and Support Centre within the Royal United Hospital and the second at the Southside Family Centre in Twerton.  The Warminster site is at the CISS Centre at Warminster Library.  There are plans to start another service sometime this year in Trowbridge, and a children and young people’s service will be launched in the spring 2008.

Positive Action on Cancer was founded in 1994 in response to the need to support people affected by cancer and obtained charity status in 1995.  The service is offered free because of the financial impact on families when a member has been diagnosed with cancer.  PAC relies on grants, fundraising and donations to be able to continue to provide this service.  A contribution, whether large or small, is of great value.

About Cancer Research UK:

  • Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
  • Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
  • Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
  • Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
  • Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk