Stitching Strength into Recovery
By Tarushi Peries, Executive - Branding & Communications. · 11 May 2026
How Bodyline and Silueta are restoring dignity, one woman at a time
In Sri Lanka, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, with over 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually and incidence rates continuing to rise. Globally, the scale is even more striking breast cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer among women, with around 2.3 million cases reported each year, accounting for nearly one in four cancers in women worldwide. Despite these numbers, access to early detection, treatment, and post-surgical care remains uneven, particularly in developing countries, where many women are diagnosed at later stages and face greater challenges during recovery.
At Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, the country’s leading cancer treatment centre, around 35 mastectomy surgeries are performed every month. Yet beyond treatment, a quieter reality unfolds. For many women, recovery is not just about healing physically, but about navigating discomfort, financial strain, and the emotional toll of adjusting to life after surgery often without access to even the most basic post-operative essentials. It is within this space that Bodyline, together with Silueta, found purpose.
When Listening Leads to Action
The initiative began in 2021 under Bodyline’s “Nobody Fights Alone” cancer programme an effort initially focused on awareness, early detection, and community outreach. But as the programme deepened its engagement with women and healthcare professionals, a more personal need came to light.
Women recovering from mastectomy surgeries were returning home without access to essential post-surgical support. Something as simple as a bra had become a daily challenge uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and emotionally distressing.
“Recovery does not end with surgery,” the team reflects. “For many women, the real struggle begins when they return to everyday life without the support they need.”
Designing with Empathy
What followed was not just a solution but a shift in thinking.
Instead of adapting existing products, Bodyline chose to create something entirely new. By 2023, the team introduced a specially designed mastectomy bra, developed through continuous patient feedback and thoughtful design iterations.
Each element was considered with care soft, non-irritating fabrics for sensitive skin, front and back closures for ease of wear, and discreet pockets to support prostheses. A design that prioritised both function and feeling.
“Designing for post-surgery patients requires more than technical expertise, it requires empathy,” the team shares. “Every stitch carries a responsibility to comfort, support, and restore confidence.”
A Partnership that Completes the Journey
As the initiative evolved, so did its understanding of recovery. True support extended beyond the garment itself.
This led to a meaningful collaboration with Silueta, bringing high-quality prostheses into the programme and creating a more complete solution for patients.
“We believe true impact goes beyond products. Through this initiative, we aim to empower women post-surgery with thoughtful design, compassionate support, and accessible solutions.” - Nadeekha Leanage, Director - Product Innovation, Bodywear.
“As we progressed with this initiative, we expanded our efforts to support women more holistically, through awareness, care, and improvements to the resources and support mechanisms that contribute to their comfort and recovery. This shift reflects our commitment to building sustainable, people-centred solutions that enhance wellbeing while driving meaningful and lasting impact.” - Sasini Senarath, Director - Human Resources, Bodywear.
Together, Bodyline and Silueta transformed the initiative into one that addresses both the physical and emotional dimensions of healing.
Impact Beyond Numbers
From 2023 to 2025, over 500 mastectomy bras have been donated through Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, aligned closely with patient needs. What began as a small effort has grown into a sustained, responsive programme.
It's true impact lies in the lives it touches.
“I’m a teacher who went through a mastectomy surgery, it’s incredibly comfortable and fits me perfectly. I’m really grateful to Bodyline for this thoughtful gift, and I genuinely hope they continue this project to support many more women like me.” - A patient, Ward 27, Apeksha Hospital.
For many, these bras are more than functional, they are transformative. They ease discomfort, improve posture, and help restore a sense of normalcy.
Healthcare professionals echo this sentiment.
“These items not only provide physical comfort but also help restore confidence and dignity during a very challenging period in our patients’ lives.” - Nursing Sister, Ward 27.
This impact is further reinforced by medical professionals working closely with patients.
“On behalf of our institution, I wish to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support in providing brassieres for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Your thoughtful contribution has made a meaningful difference in enhancing the comfort, confidence, and dignity of these patients during a challenging period in their lives. Such compassionate support is truly appreciated and reflects a strong commitment to community care. We highly value your generosity and continued support towards improving the well-being of women affected by breast cancer.” - Dr. Jayamal Ariyaratne, Consultant.
More Than a Product, A Presence
What sets this initiative apart is its continuity. It does not end with a donation it evolves through listening.
Each batch of bras is followed by patient feedback, leading to ongoing refinements and improved designs. This cycle ensures that the initiative remains relevant, responsive, and deeply human.
Beyond the bras, the teams also identified broader needs within the hospital environment. This led to additional contributions from installing drinking water filters to improving washroom facilities, extending care across multiple wards.
It is a reminder that meaningful impact often lies in noticing what others overlook.
The People Behind the Purpose
Behind every garment is a collective effort. Designers, technical teams, bonding team, development team, sustainability leads, and Bodyline’s dedicated internal volunteering community all play a role in bringing the initiative to life.
Despite challenges in production capacity and competing priorities, teams stepped forward often going beyond their roles to support the cause.
“The biggest lesson for us has been the power of purpose,” the team reflects. “When people believe in what they are doing, they are willing to go the extra mile.”
Looking Ahead with Intention
The journey continues.
Currently, each patient receives one mastectomy bra, with additional support provided where possible. The vision for the future is to expand this ensuring that every woman has access to multiple bras, improving comfort, hygiene, and overall quality of life during recovery.
At the same time, product innovation remains ongoing, shaped by deeper patient engagement and continuous feedback.
A Quiet but Powerful Message
At its core, this initiative is built on a simple yet powerful belief that no woman should face her recovery journey alone.
In the softness of fabric, in the precision of design, and in the intention behind every effort, there is something profoundly human.
A reminder that healing is not only clinical.
It is emotional.
It is personal.
And sometimes, it begins with something as simple as feeling like yourself again.
