Life after mastectomy: Four survivors on getting their style and confidence back

Before her operation, Catherine Nafula, 33, did not dread losing a breast. A counsellor had told her she could wear a prosthesis, an artificial breast, afterwards to restore her appearance and lift her self-esteem, and she was focused on getting through the surgery.

“It was only after the operation that the reality of losing a breast began to sink in,” said Catherine, a mother of two who was diagnosed in 2025. “I was afraid of coming out of the house or people looking at me, and I did not want to interact with people.”