Donating Breast Tissue in the UK
At 19 years old, I stand at 157cm and weigh 47kg. I occasionally smoke and drink, and I am also managing ADHD and depression, for which I'm on Concerta and sertraline. Additionally, I take cetirizine to combat hay fever. I want to clarify that I’m British and would appreciate not receiving advice based on American healthcare practices. My breast size is notably large (30E), which brings me a fair amount of distress for several key reasons: - As a non-binary individual, the size of my breasts is a significant cause of gender dysphoria, complicating my ability to bind comfortably. - Engaging in sports proves to be burdensome; as a marathon runner, I struggle to secure them adequately. While playing volleyball, I have to be cautious with my movements, as impacts can lead to considerable pain if my chest strikes the ball, the floor, or even my hands. - Finding well-fitting clothing, such as bras, swimsuits, or even basic shirts, is a frustrating ordeal—often expensive and highly inconvenient. Shirts don’t button correctly, and swimsuits need specialized sizing rather than standard 6/8/10 measurements because they must accommodate both the band and the cup size. Many stores don’t even carry my size, though I do appreciate Primark’s DD+ section! - The discomfort of always wearing a bra is relentless; the straps constantly dig into my skin, yet I can't go without one, as the lack of support causes back pain, particularly when I walk or navigate stairs. I've experimented with numerous styles and sizes of bras, and the issue of sweating is equally troublesome, leading to irritation and breakouts on my chest. These are just a few of my grievances, and to be clear, I’m not seeking a reduction surgery for frivolous reasons; my experience with large breasts is genuinely challenging. Unfortunately, I don’t meet the qualifications for surgery through the NHS, as my condition isn’t deemed severe enough. This means that I would need to seek private surgery, which is currently beyond my financial means. Recently, during a light-hearted conversation with my mother—who has undergone a mastectomy due to cancer—we joked about the idea of her receiving my breast tissue for her implants. This led me to investigate whether tissue donation could actually be a possibility. I stumbled upon the Breast Cancer Now biobank and thought that, although it may not be feasible to donate directly to my mother, contributing to a charity or research institution would be a meaningful alternative. This approach could benefit both myself, by giving me a smaller chest, and the charity or hospital by providing them with healthy tissue samples, creating a mutually advantageous situation. However, I find myself uncertain about how to proceed with this idea. The NHS organ donation website primarily addresses organ donations like livers and kidneys, which leaves me at a standstill regarding breast tissue. I truly wish to alleviate my burden while simultaneously aiding others. Must I wait until my condition worsens enough to qualify for NHS surgery before I can consider potential donation avenues? Any guidance or additional information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 12:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a variety of challenges related to your breast size and how it affects your daily life and identity. I'm glad you reached out for guidance on exploring tissue donation and potential avenues for addressing your discomfort. Here are some key points to consider, along with actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Breast Tissue Donation: As of now, breast tissue donation for transplant purposes, especially from an individual to another like your mother, is not standard practice. However, you can look into contributions for research.
- Exploring Reduction Options: Although you may not qualify for NHS surgery right now, there are often criteria that can change over time. It's important to be informed about what factors could lead to eligibility.
- Support for Managing Symptoms: In the meantime, there may be ways to alleviate some discomfort associated with sports and daily activities.
Explanation:
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Breast Tissue Donation: Currently, tissue donation (such as breast tissue) is not treated the same way as organ donation. The Breast Cancer Now biobank is focused on research, and many affiliated hospitals may accept donations of tissue samples from surgeries performed for other reasons, but they will likely not accept donations for cosmetic purposes.
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Surgery Eligibility Changes: The criteria for cosmetic surgery on the NHS may vary based on individual assessments, including health impacts, physical limitations, and psychological wellbeing. If your distress increases or you develop additional complications, it might be worthwhile to revisit this with your healthcare provider.
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Managing Discomfort: While you work toward finding a resolution, consider options such as:
- Custom Athletic Wear: Look for specialized sports bras designed specifically for running and high-impact activities. Brands offer custom fittings and may provide better support.
- Consulting with Professionals: A fitting with a professional who specializes in athletic or plus-size bras might help you find better options. You may also benefit from physiotherapy, which could address any structural issues related to back pain and posture.
- Support Groups: Engaging with online forums or support groups can provide community and insights from others who have faced similar challenges.
Next Steps:
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Research and Contact Biobanks: You might want to reach out directly to Breast Cancer Now or similar biobanks to see if they have any programs for health tissue donations connected with research.
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Keep a Symptom Journal: Begin noting how your breast size affects physical activity and emotional well-being. This information could be valuable if you seek future medical advice about surgery eligibility.
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Explore Funding Options: Investigate private insurance options or funding schemes that could help alleviate the burden if you decide on private surgery in the future.
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Find Specialized Support: Research local or online support groups for non-binary individuals experiencing gender dysphoria associated with breast size. They can provide emotional support and practical advice.
This journey can be challenging, but focusing on small actionable steps and continuing to seek support can make a difference. Let me know if you need more information on any specific aspect!
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