Every Stitch Counts: How Your Knitting Can Bring Comfort to Breast Cancer Patients
Most of us have a half-finished scarf or a ball of wool tucked away in a cupboard. What if that wool could bring comfort and dignity to a woman recovering from breast cancer surgery?
That’s the idea behind Knitted Knockers, and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is looking for volunteers to help.
What are Knitted Knockers?
Knitted Knockers are hand-knitted or crocheted breast prostheses for women who have had a mastectomy or a similar breast procedure. The knitted fabric breathes, which helps prevent heat rash and discomfort. They are made by volunteers around the world, and the movement has now spread to South Africa. CANSA formally partnered with Knitted Knockers SA in 2017 to reach more women.
The most important part: patients who receive Knitted Knockers receive them free of charge.
Why it matters
Losing a breast is about more than surgery. It touches confidence, comfort and how a woman feels in her own body. A soft, lightweight, handmade prosthesis is a small gesture with a big impact. It tells a woman that a stranger took the time to make something just for her.
About CANSA
Founded in 1931, CANSA marked its 95th anniversary this year and remains one of South Africa’s leading cancer organisations. Its work covers research, education, advocacy, screening, care and support. Through its Care Centres across the country, it offers services such as screening and early detection, counselling (including free tele-counselling), support groups, wigs, prostheses, assistive devices, medical equipment hire and home-based care. CANSA also runs Care Homes for out-of-town patients having treatment, and relies heavily on trained volunteers to deliver its services.
How you can get involved
It’s simple, and you can do it from your couch:
- Order your kit.
- Each kit includes a pattern and wool and costs R65.
- Knit or crochet. Plan on roughly 4–8 hours per piece, at your own pace.
- Deliver it. Drop off or post your finished piece to your nearest CANSA Care Centre. CANSA distributes them to patients who need them.
- Sign up on forgood so the cause can track its volunteers and see its impact.
Make it a group project
This works well for knitting circles, church groups, book clubs, retirement communities, school craft clubs and workplace teams. Turn your next get-together into a “knit-in” and see how many you can complete between you. If you can’t knit or crochet, you can still help by donating to CANSA so more kits can be bought, or by sharing this post with someone who can.
Ready to start?
👉 https://www.forgood.co.za/za/en/volunteer/knitting-crocheting-breast-prostheses-
Every stitch counts. 💗
