Knitted knockers give breast cancer patients renewed confidence

Southland Hospital Breast Care Nurse Hazel Sycamore with Sandra Sparrow
Southland Hospital Breast Care Nurse Hazel Sycamore with Sandra Sparrow

When knitting enthusiast Sandra Sparrow stumbled across an article in That’s Life magazine about hand knitted prosthetic breasts for breast cancer survivors – she knew she could help.

Sandra acquired the ‘Knitted Knockers’ pattern, knitted her first set and sent them off to the Invercargill Cancer Society. Word quickly spread and Sandra started taking orders from the Southland Hospital Breast Cancer Service.“This service wasn’t being offered in the area, so we received an overwhelmingly positive response from mastectomy patients,” says Sandra.

Carolyn was one of these women. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she endured surgery and radiotherapy.
“I always wore a scarf around my neck so no one noticed I was smaller in one breast,” says Carolyn. “The Breast Care Nurse Hazel Sycamore introduced me to Knitted Knockers and it was just amazing!
“After putting one inside my bra, it gave me two normal breasts when I looked in the mirror. They are so comfortable to wear – you don’t even know they are there.”

The knockers come in five sizes – A to DD – and can be popped in the washing machine and dried overnight.
In terms of the process, Sandra insists it’s easy. “All you need is a pair of knitting needles, a ball of yarn, acrylic hobby fill and you’re off! It takes about four hours to complete.

The material to make the knockers is sponsored by the Manapouri Beehive Arts and Craft Group.
The Knitted Knockers movement began in the United States and has since become international.

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Knitted knockers give breast cancer patients renewed confidence

 


 

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