2021 Volume 72 Issue 1 Pages 25-35
The purpose of this study is to clarify the actual conditions of sales and use of brassieres for breast cancer patients, based on information obtained from online shopping sites. The brassieres were classified into two types, leisure type (27 products) and full cup type (25 products), for analysis of the features of the brassieres. Two products from each type were chosen for satisfaction and dissatisfaction analysis based on information gathered from consumer reviews. The results are as follows.
1) The leisure type brassiere is designed to be gentle on the post-operative body and has been worn by many from an early stage after surgery. The products are available in multiple colors and can be obtained at affordable prices. Customers were satisfied with its “soft touch”, “less oppression to the breast”, “cotton fibers”, and “front closure”. On the other hand, some users were dissatisfied with its “size” and “touch” in their post-operative physical condition.
2) The full cup type brassiere is also for post-operative patients and is designed to maintain breast shape like a general brassiere. It was clarified that there was lack of color variation, and that people who didn't have average-sized breasts had fewer pattern options than those with average-sized breasts. While customers were satisfied with “ample support”, “price”, “touch”, and “color/pattern”, some were dissatisfied with “size”.
3) Mail orders are usually made based on the information presented on the product site and without touching or trying on the product. However, some details could not be found on the site. Since size was an important criterion for women who underwent breast cancer surgery, it became clear that anxiety and dissatisfaction with size in particular were highly prevalent.
