Emily Yu

Updated March 2024

Breast cancer patients in China have few options for post-surgery lingerie

To regain the look of a normal bust after a mastectomy, breast cancer patients must choose between silicone breast forms (protheses) and lightweight leisure forms made of foam or fiberfill, like the pads that come with bathing suit tops. Both options have drawbacks. Silicone forms, while realistic, can be uncomfortable and expensive, while leisure forms fail to consistently deliver a natural-looking shape.

“Patients who can’t afford the forms resort to altering their bras themselves, stuffing them with gauze or tissue paper,” says Ginger Ah founder and CEO Emily Yu. “These homemade solutions are uncomfortable and ineffective, but women have no other choices.”

Innovative two-piece bra offers women both comfort and support post-mastectomy

n experienced lingerie designer, Emily began envisioning alternatives to these homemade solutions in February 2020 after a local Beijing surgeon approached her looking for comfortable options for her breast cancer patients. Emily’s quest became urgent when her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly afterwards.

After extensive research, Emily created the Ginger Ah line specifically for breast cancer patients, and her friend served as the first model for the company’s final prototype. “She was so happy to have it, and she looked so beautiful,” Emily recalls.

The bra addresses patients’ diverse post-surgery needs with an innovative two-piece structure: one side for the breast that’s undergone a full or partial mastectomy, and the other for the breast that has not. The two sides can be joined to form a complete bra, which is made from soft, comfortable fabric with no underwires, heavy stitching, or bands.

“Many patients can’t raise their arms after surgery,” Emily says. “With the two pieces, it’s easy for them to open it in either the front or the back, and it’s easy to put on.”

The breast form uses high-quality foam and silicone to more closely resemble a natural breast and offer patients a sense of balance and support. It also comes with adjustable pads in seven sizes that patients can combine in different ways to meet their needs.

Happy customers deliver support and encouragement

Fifteen breast cancer patients attended the company’s first fitting session in April 2021. According to Emily, their enthusiastic and positive feedback proved for the first time the value of the company’s products.

“They were so happy to be there together and talk to each other,” Emily recalls. “It was like therapy!”

Since its launch in June 2021, the company has sold more than 10,000 bras to approximately 7,000 customers at a price that’s more affordable than similar products. Ginger Ah bras are sold on all major e-commerce platforms in China and through the company’s livestream sessions.

In addition to expanding Ginger Ah’s distribution globally and opening an onsite fitting room in Beijing, Emily plans to expand her product line to include sports bras, swimsuits, and loungewear. “Every time I’ve felt it was too difficult to go on, my customers have given me strength. They tell me they need me to design more products for them.”