People who are being treated for cancer often find themselves in need of special aids or equipment during or following their treatment.

Funding for these services may be available. Ask the treating hospital. You will also find information about funding assistance in the Financial subcategory.

Aids and Equipment is grouped into the following sub-categories:

• Home and Living Aids
• Prosthesis and Orthotics

Home and Living Aids

There are services offering living aids (eg seat belt cushioning), home alterations (eg hand rails) and home aids (eg shower seats). Many of these services are provided by local councils, hospitals or community health services.

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Prosthesis and Orthotics

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a part of the body, such as an arm, leg, breast, eye or tooth. A prosthesis may be necessary after treatment for cancer such as after a mastectomy or the amputation of a limb.

For a woman who has had a mastectomy (full breast removal) or lumpectomy (a large area of breast removed) they may like to consider wearing a breast form or breast prosthesis. A breast prosthesis is a piece of material shaped to look like part of, or all of, the breast. It helps give the chest a natural shape whilst wearing clothes or swimming costumes.

An orthotic is a device that is applied externally to correct a deformity, improve function, or relieve symptoms of a disease by supporting or assisting the musculo-neuro-skeletal system. Some examples of orthotics include limb replacements and foot orthotics.

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