A Systematic Review of Post-Operative Breast Undergarments for Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Canadian women, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women over their lifetime. Despite advancements in surgical management, many patients experience significant post-operative discomfort. This systematic review evaluates existing post-operative breast undergarments and highlights design shortcomings that impact patient recovery. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL Complete for literature published between January 1, 1946, and April 30, 2025. The search strategy included a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords related to breast neoplasms, mastectomy, post-operative care, and support garments. A total of 126 studies were identified, with 11 duplicates removed. After screening, 29 relevant studies were included. Results: We identified various shortcomings in conventional post-operative garments, including inadequate storage for surgical drains, poor thermoregulation, and materials causing dermatological irritation. Issues such as non-adjustable straps, discomfort from under-wires, and a lack of accommodations for breast asymmetry and prosthesis fitting were prevalent. Although newer designs have addressed some of these issues by incorporating features like customizable compression and improved front fasteners, significant gaps remain. Conclusion: Current post-operative undergarments inadequately address key aspects of recovery for breast cancer patients, particularly in the early post-operative period. There is a clear demand for garments with enhanced comfort, adjustable support, better drain management, and skin-friendly materials. Further design innovations and clinical evaluations are required to optimize post-operative care.