Thanks to our funding, physician associate, Abbey Pryer (pictured right), has jumped at the chance to make a difference to breast cancer survivors. As an avid painter in her spare time, she is swapping her paint brush for a tattoo gun. She will be tattooing eyebrows for cancer patients who have lost their hair through chemotherapy, and nipples for patients who have had a mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery or a central excision, where the nipple was removed along with the cancer.

She says: “I see patients from the moment they are referred to us in the triple assessment clinic and often throughout their surgical planning, so it’s amazing to provide the continuity of care and offer them this final step in their treatment”.

“Our patients are currently referred to another Trust for this service, and we really want to offer it in-house, so they continue to receive their care with us, amongst familiar faces. The service is only available to our own patients, but we may be able to accept patients from other Trusts in the future.

“It is so important for them psychologically, but also for their self-esteem and body confidence, so as an “arty type” I’m delighted to be able to help.

“I received specialist medical tattoo training, and it was really interesting. I had to learn the theory behind the practice of micropigmentation, the complexity of mapping out the shape and size of the nipple-areola (the circular darker-coloured area of skin surrounding the nipple) and matching the correct colours (pigments) to the other side.

“I also learned the different techniques and different needles required to implant the colour into the skin to create different effects and create a realistic 3D nipple-areola complex. I initially practiced on synthetic practice skin and finally, under the supervision of a qualified tattooist, on patients who signed up to take part, and they were delighted with the results.

“Now that I’ve had by eyebrow tattoo training, we’re up and running, and I’m very excited to be able to make a real difference to my patients.

“I want to thank LNWH Charity for funding my training, the tattoo gun and inks, and to everyone who donated to our online appeal. We will continue to need kind donations to replace the inks, to ensure we have a constant fresh supply in a variety of skin shades, so please do consider us if you are looking for a great cause to support.”

Sara's story

Abbey’s first patient, 36-year-old Sara Sarto (pictured left), was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, and she had chemotherapy from July to December that year.

A genetic test showed there was a 48% probability that cancer could develop in her other breast, so she chose to have a full double mastectomy, including her nipples, and reconstructive surgery using implants.

Sadly, three months later, tests showed 50% of the cancer remained, so she went through more gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which finished in December 2024.

She says: “I was really happy with the reconstruction, and didn’t think about nipple tattooing until Abbey contacted me and asked me if it was something I’d be interested in.

“I don’t have any tattoos, so we had a chat about it, and I decided to go for it. I’m keeping positive and trying to embrace my new normal, and I think this will help me to move forward.

“I had my first session recently and will need a few more “touch up’s” before we’re done.

“I am truly happy to see young physician associates like Abbey who are genuinely committed to their work and willing to go the extra mile to provide this service, alongside the people involved in the charity. It’s incredibly reassuring and deeply appreciated, and I hope more women will consider it, if it’s the right thing for them.