DHB contract to help breast cancer survivors
22 August 2017
A contract between the Waikato DHB, Tristram Clinic and a Hamilton woman has been established to help breast cancer
survivors.
Under the new contract Debbie Casson (CPCP), founder of Lady Ink Cosmetic Tattooing, will perform cosmetic nipple
tattooing for women who have been through breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer.
“I’m a survivor myself, so this is massive,” Debbie said.
Debbie was diagnosed with two forms of cancer in the space of a week in 2012. She underwent surgery for a rare type of
sinus cancer and just days later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after she'd been for a routine mammogram.
She understands the emotions of what cosmetic nipple tattooing can mean to a woman after undergoing breast
reconstruction herself, along with chemotherapy and radiation.
After being diagnosed, Debbie ended her 28-year career as a nail technician, worried that the chemicals had contributed
to her sinus tumour.
She joined Shocking Pink, a New Zealand-wide charity for young woman diagnosed with cancer. Talking to the women within
the group, she realised how financially out-of-reach it was to get areola tattooing done after they’d had breast cancer.
“I’m a people person who loves working with women and I had worked in an arty industry so I thought I could do that,”
Debbie said.
“I decided to train in cosmetic tattooing and as part of it I had to learn eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. A lot of our
breast cancer ladies lose their eyebrows and hair after chemotherapy, it is never the same. So, it all worked
hand-in-hand,” Debbie said.
The nipple repigmentation and 3D nipple cosmetic tattooing service that Debbie offers, helps post-mastectomy patients by
creating the appearance of an areola after nipple reconstruction, or a 3D nipple can be created by shading with pigments
giving the 3D effect.
Debbie said this helps give women their self-esteem and confidence back after a tough journey.
“It’s a huge deal and it makes them very happy. I get the enjoyment of seeing their faces at the end of it,” Debbie
said. “It really is the cherry on the top”.
The contract, in conjunction with the Waikato DHB and Tristram Clinic where the patients go to for the cosmetic
tattooing, is a huge step forward as most DHBs do not fund the procedure.
Debbie said that if it wasn’t for some of the top plastic surgeons at the Waikato DHB keeping the momentum going, the
contract may not have happened. She credits their driving force behind it all coming together, and the “lovely” team at
Tristram Clinic
“We’re all working together to make life better for these ladies,” Debbie said.
“I’d love to be in a position where everyone could get this service,” Debbie said.
“If I won a million dollars, this is what I’d do all day every day. I’d love to be able to travel up and down the
country to help everybody.” Initially, Debbie’s cosmetic tattooing training was done in New Zealand, however, she has
continued additional training in the United States and is in the process of getting some funding together for further
training in the United Kingdom.
“I just want to grow myself, so I can do better and better for these ladies.”
The contract is already making a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors. Debbie’s business Lady Link had a
stall at the Woman’s Expo in Hamilton recently where she got talking with some women and told them about it. Those women
went back to their specialists and have since been through and completed their cosmetic tattooing procedures with
Debbie.
“They’ve completed their journey and it’s fantastic, because more woman need to know that this service is there for
them.”
To find out more contact your specialist as you will need a referral.
ends