Every October, the colour pink shows up everywhere. On ribbons, storefronts and social feeds, it reminds us that breast cancer touches almost every family. At Elle Mio, it touches ours too. For more than 15 years, we have had the privilege of fitting women in Fredericton and Moncton through every season of life, including some of the hardest ones.
The numbers are sobering. According to Breast Cancer Canada, one in eight women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, which works out to nearly 30,000 women this year. But there is real reason for hope. Since the 1980s, breast cancer deaths have been cut in half thanks to research and early detection, and close to 90% of women diagnosed now survive at least five years.
This month, we want to talk about awareness in a way that goes beyond the ribbon. That means knowing your body, getting screened, and knowing that when the time comes, there is a team in your community ready to help you feel like yourself again.
Know your normal
Early detection matters. Getting to know how your breasts normally look and feel makes it easier to notice when something changes. Things worth bringing to your doctor include a new lump, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge, and persistent pain in one area.
Regular screening is just as important. Breast cancer is easier to treat, and treatment is often shorter, when it is caught early. Breast Cancer Canada recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, though screening guidelines and referral rules differ from province to province. Their screening guidelines page is a great place to start, and your family doctor or nurse practitioner can help you decide on a schedule that suits your personal risk. If you have been putting off an appointment, consider this your friendly nudge to book it today.
And a reminder for the men in our lives: breast cancer is not only a women's issue. There is no standard screening for men, so they should watch for changes too and check in with a healthcare provider if something seems off.
A well fitted bra also plays a quiet role here. When your bra fits properly, you are more aware of your body and more likely to notice when something feels different.
Life After Surgery
For women recovering from a mastectomy or lumpectomy, getting dressed can feel like a whole new challenge. Skin may be tender, scars are healing, and your body may not feel familiar yet. The right bra can make an enormous difference in both comfort and confidence.
What to look for in a post surgery bra:
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Soft, wire free support that is gentle on healing skin and incisions
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Front closures for easier dressing when arm movement is limited
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Pocketed cups designed to hold a breast form or prosthesis securely
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Wide, comfortable bands and straps that do not dig in or put pressure on tender areas
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Smooth, seamless fabrics that disappear under clothing
Expert Fitting in Person
Buying a bra after breast surgery should never feel rushed. At Elle Mio, our fitters take the time to understand where you are in your journey, whether you are preparing for surgery, recovering, or years down the road and ready for something pretty again.
A bra fitting with us is private, relaxed and judgement free. We will help you find options that feel good today and can grow with you as your body heals and changes. Many women are surprised to learn they do not have to give up beautiful lingerie. Mastectomy friendly styles have come a long way, and lace, colour and soft feminine details are absolutely still on the table.
Pink with purpose
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than a single month. It is about the survivors, the women in treatment, the families who stand beside them, and the people we have lost. To everyone in our community who has walked this road: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are here for you.
If you would like to do more this month, consider supporting Breast Cancer Canada, the national charity dedicated to funding breast cancer research since 1991. You can also read patient stories from Canadians who have lived this experience.
Our October promotions
In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are celebrating with two special offers on mastectomy products, running October 1 to October 31:
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Buy a mastectomy breast form and receive a free bra (a value of $80)
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Buy one mastectomy bra and get a second mastectomy bra at 50% off
Visit us in store or place your order by phone. These promotions apply to mastectomy breast forms and mastectomy bras only, and all sales are final.
Fredericton:
85 York St
506 459 1277
Moncton:
735 Main St
506 855 4836
Visit us this October
Whether you need a post surgery fitting, have questions about breast forms, or simply want to make sure your everyday bra is truly supporting you, we would love to see you. Book a fitting at our Fredericton or Moncton location, or drop in and chat with our team.
You deserve to feel comfortable, supported and beautiful, at every stage.
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