BREAG

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BREAG allows you to give old and discarded bras a second life while also sparking a conversation about self-examination for breast health.

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OVER 3 MILLION NEW BREAST CANCER CASES ARE EXPECTED ANNUALLY BY 2040.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women? 1 in 8 women will eventually develop some form of breast cancer (source: Pink Ribbon). The treatment and survival rate for breast cancer depend on the stage and nature of the tumor. The average chance of surviving the first 5 years after diagnosis is over 88%, and after 10 years, it is over 79% (source: Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). This percentage has significantly increased in the past decades (in 1955, it was 52%), largely thanks to research. Besides scientific research, self-examination is crucial in preventing breast cancer. It’s a method to familiarize yourself with your breasts and promptly detect any changes.

KNOW YOUR BREASTS

Unfortunately, not all women are aware of the urgency of self-examination and knowing their breasts. There also appears to be a lingering taboo. Particularly among women under 50, preventive (self)examination receives insufficient attention. Women who detect breast cancer in its early stages (for example, through self-examination) have a higher chance of survival than those who do not. Please click here for self-examination instructions.

CREATE YOUR OWN BREAG

Join us in raising awareness for self-examination by making your own BREAG. BREAG is a combination of Breast, Bra, and Bag. With the free BREAG tutorial, you can transform your old bra into a new clutch or shoulder bag. This fashion accessory is not only very personal and unique, but it also highlights the topic of breast cancer and the importance of self-examination
Watch the tutorial
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COMING SOON

No time to make a BREAG? No worries! Soon, you’ll be able to purchase a BREAG designed by Dutch bag designer Leontine Hagoort. These bags are crafted by underprivileged women in Pakistan, especially for you. The proceeds will be utilized to provide fair wages to the makers and to procure biopsy needles for breast cancer patients in Pakistan who cannot afford them. Curious about the full story? Stay tuned for more details!

Gina Provó Kluit
Founder & breast cancer survivor

At 48, I discovered breast cancer in myself. Fortunately, there were no metastases, and it was treatable because I detected it in time. After undergoing several treatments, I was eventually declared cancer-free. Now, I’m dedicated to increasing awareness among women about the importance of self-examination. Knowing your breasts can save your life, and that’s the driving force behind my initiative, BREAG.

TIPS

If you discover a lump during your self-breast examination, there is no need to panic. In many cases, women have lumps in their breasts that are not malignant. Factors such as hormonal changes and benign breast conditions can result in benign growths. Are you uncertain? Consult with your general practitioner. However, in case you do find yourself diagnosed with breast cancer, here are some useful tips for you.

During chemotherapy, you may experience issues with your mouth, throat, and gums. If possible, visit a dental hygienist before starting treatment to begin with well-maintained dental health. They can also provide tips on what to use or avoid during the treatment.

Consider microblading: tiny cuts (micro) are made in your eyebrows with a blade, which are then filled with pigment. Thin hair-like lines are drawn with the blade to mimic natural hair. If you eventually lose your hair, the ’tattooed’ hairs shape your eyebrows, making you look less like a cancer patient.

The shampoo and conditioner from Mediceuticals promote hair growth and strengthen the hair follicle. During treatments, you nourish your scalp with these products, so your hair can grow faster and healthier after treatments.

During treatment, you may notice sensitivity in your nail bed, and you might develop fungal nails. Therefore, start applying anti-fungal cream to your nails from the beginning of the treatment (available at the pharmacy). You may also get brittle nails. Hardening nail polish (for example, from OPI) can help with this. And if you want some color on your nails, the brand MÊME offers protective silicon nail polish in various shades, specifically designed for those undergoing chemotherapy.

If you are undergoing radiation, you may experience itching. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil (Cocoa Butter Formula) works wonders and is available at the pharmacy.

If you experience digestive issues during treatment, consider taking L-Glutamine: an amino acid that promotes the rebuilding and repair of your intestines (approved by my oncologist).

Before, during, and after treatments, you go through an enormous roller coaster of emotions. In the hospital, they do everything they can to get you better. However, there is often little attention to what breast cancer truly does to you. After treatments, you may find yourself alone again because you’re ‘done.’ Talking to friends and fellow patients can be helpful. However, discussions with a medical psychologist or a breast cancer coach provide stability to process the trauma and are particularly valuable in helping you regain control of your life after treatment.

Even if it’s challenging and you feel tired! On difficult days, try alternating 1 hour of walking with 1 hour of rest. This way, you still get the necessary exercise and fresh air. Oncological physiotherapy can also be a helpful solution in this regard.

During your treatment, try to remain at work for as long as possible, even if it's on a part-time basis. The more active you can stay, the smoother the transition back to full-time work will be.

Do you have any more tips for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer? Feel free to send a message to info@breag.nl.

TESTIMONIALS

Irene

Sometimes I forgot to do a breast examination myself, even though I took it seriously. Fortunately, I still thought about it regularly, because suddenly I discovered a lump without any other symptoms. I moved my mammogram forward. This is how it was discovered in time that I had breast cancer. Now treated, with good prognosis thanks to early detection!

Jacqueline

In 2006, I encountered a lump in my breast. Despite reassurance from my GP, I decided to consult an internist for additional certainty. The examination led to the unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer. The importance of listening to my gut feeling and knowing my breasts ultimately proved to be so valuable.

Jeannette

In 2021 (49 years), I noticed that one of my nipples looked different. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it and preferred not to look at it, but I started feeling how that breast was doing. I encountered a lump, which turned out to be a large tumor. I have since been treated, and the outlook is good. I am so glad that I discovered this myself, on time.

PARTNERS OF BREAG


BREAG is made possible by:

  • Aaliyah Bozdag (Online Marketing)
  • Jessica Glasmacher (Branding & Design)
  • Leontine Hagoort (Product Design)
  • Monique Goudriaan (Manual)
  • Floortje Ramaker & Mark van der Poel (Video Editing)
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BREAG is made possible by:

  • Aaliyah Bozdag (Online Marketing)
  • Jessica Glasmacher (Branding & Design)
  • Leontine Hagoort (Product Design)
  • Monique Goudriaan (Manual)
  • Floortje Ramaker & Mark van der Poel (Video Editing)