Women with breast cancer: an exploration on intrinsic elements of clothing to enhance quality of life / Norazean Miswat

In contrast to disabled people, academic research has neglected breast cancer patient’s needs for suitable intrinsic elements in garment selection. It is argued that this type of consumer deserves specific research attention. Most of the breast cancer patients face several issues after or during receiving a treatment; including physical changes, psychology concern, clothing concern and social concern.) These changes lead to stigma and negative quality of life. This research presents the results of an exploratory study designed to comprehensively explore the intrinsic elements reference in garment among breast cancer patients that can enhance the quality of life. FEA model and The Principle of Universal Design were used as guidance at various phase of the process. The qualitative case study employed multiple data collections and data analysis strategies. Self-administration survey was done as a preliminary study to get primary data (n=20). Spontaneous speech of ten informants (n=10) was audio/visual-recorded, and their body measurement, technical drawing and sketches were used as probes during the interview. The data was gathered to develop a robust and tangible clothing prototype and clothing guideline in brochure form. Wear-test Results revealed that breast cancer patients need clothing with specific intrinsic elements and indicated there were lacked of information on what to wear and how to choose the right clothing after or during receiving treatment. In conclusion, these breast cancer women had a hate-love relationship with clothes’ fit and sizing especially with ready-made clothing. Generally, due to most females’ breast structure, wider sleeve armhole is required on the women’s clothing to reduce the tightness and pain sensation at the treatment area. The well-fitting clothes are needed to uplift self-confidence, camouflage the flaws and try to be as normal as they can. Thus, the ideas for future instructions for research in these areas are deliberated. Design recommendation was made to assist women with breast cancer. Although the prototypes and clothing guidelines in this study were successful, more initiatives could be done with intrinsic elements of clothing to make remarkable adaptive clothing for people with special needs