Butiken 13 October 2026

New study highlights the benefits of a stable compression bra after breast cancer surgery

Researcher and oncology nurse Malin Backman has 17 years of experience in cancer care. She is a specialist nurse within the Cancer Theme at Karolinska University Hospital, as well as a Doctor of Medical Science and a university lecturer at Karolinska Institutet.

Malin recognised the need to provide patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery with evidence-based answers about which bra to choose, rather than relying solely on experience. This led to the idea for a study investigating which type of bra was most effective in relieving symptoms after breast cancer surgery. The study focuses on patients' needs, with the aim of reducing symptoms and improving quality of life after surgery. Malin believes that the research findings have had a direct clinical impact and benefit for patients at Karolinska University Hospital. They are now offered the supportive compression bra. Read the full study here.

NordiCare's supportive post-operative bra, Mirabelle, was the most effective at reducing post-operative pain and was perceived as more comfortable. It provided good support, increasing patients' sense of security and ability to move after surgery. Read more about the Mirabelle post-operative bra here.

Study Summary

• Wearing a supportive compression bra is the optimal evidence-based choice for reducing pain after breast cancer surgery compared with a soft bra.

• A supportive compression bra improves patients' mobility, comfort and sense of security after breast cancer surgery.

• The benefit of reduced pain after breast cancer surgery is clinically significant, helping to improve patients' recovery and quality of life.

Objective

The study aimed to compare two different post-operative bras following breast cancer surgery and evaluate their effect on post-operative pain.

Method

The study included 201 patients scheduled for breast-conserving surgery. Participants were randomised to receive either a soft bra or a supportive compression bra. Patients were advised to wear the bra 24 hours a day for three weeks and record daily pain levels (NRS), analgesic use and the number of hours the bra was worn.

Results

Follow-up was completed by 184 patients. Among these, patients randomised to the supportive compression bra reported significantly lower pain scores than those randomised to the soft bra. Patients who wore the supportive compression bra also reported significantly greater comfort, a greater sense of security during activity, less difficulty moving their arms, and better support and stability for the operated breast compared with those who wore the soft bra.

Conclusion

Wearing a supportive compression bra is the optimal evidence-based choice after breast cancer surgery for reducing persistent pain three weeks after surgery, while improving mobility, comfort and a sense of security.