You never know what ingenuity lies inside of you until life beckons you to find it. I could never have anticipated how overcoming the greatest medical challenge in my life would turn me into an inventor.

    In 1995, a routine breast self-examination started me on a journey that continues today. My general practitioner scheduled a precautionary mammogram to investigate the odd dimpling I had found on the side of my left breast. The mammogram led to an ultrasound, which led to a surgeon and a stunning diagnosis of breast cancer.

    A lumpectomy was followed by a mastectomy. Determined to lead a healthier lifestyle, I increased my physical activity and developed a proactive attitude toward my health.

    In 1998, when I learned that Kathy Levy was forming the Knot a Breast Dragon Boat Racing Team for breast cancer survivors, I knew I needed to become a member. The team offered a positive and supportive environment in which to socialize and exercise. But I soon realized that exercising with only one breast had its challenges, particularly when there were no bras to fit the situation. I designed a sports bra for women who have had a mastectomy and hence created Janac Sportswear.

    Although the bra was fabulous, I noticed one day while exercising that my gel prosthesis did not mimic the actions of the female breast. This realization came while I was stretching over an exercise ball and resulted not only in my landing on the floor in laughter, but also in the development of a prosthesis called the Been-A-Boob®. The name simply reflects the fact that the prosthesis is inserted where a breast once existed. The Been-a-Boob is a pocket made from a special quick-drying material and filled with small pellets. It molds into the shape of a breast when put into the pocket of the sports bra or any mastectomy bra or swimsuit.

    In 2007, in the hopes of growing the business, I participated in a CBC-TV business reality show called Dragons’ Den, in which I had the opportunity to show the products to a team of some of Canada’s most successful business leaders. I was able to make a deal with two of the “Dragons,” Arlene Dickinson of Venture Communications and Laurence Lewin of La Senza, and with their help I will be able to expand the business and give every woman who needs a breast prosthesis the opportunity of acquiring a Been-A-Boob®.

    Exercising regularly and remaining active continues to be important to women’s overall health, rehabilitation, and quality of life. This is especially true for those living with a chronic or life threatening disease such as breast cancer.1 

    As women we’re all fighters and survivors, so get out there, laugh most of the time, cry some of the time. And remember that by exercising, staying healthy, and being positive all of the time, you can face anything that life brings.

1 Courneya et al. 2001. Exercise adherence in breast cancer survivors training for a dragon boat race competition:

A preliminary investigation. Psycho-Oncology. 10:444-452.

After her diagnosis of breast cancer in 1995, Janet Cockburn joined a dragon boat team in Hamilton, Ontario, called Knot a Breast. In 2003 she started her business, Janac Sportswear, designing sports tops that will accommodate prostheses. She also designed a special prosthesis she calls Been-A-Boob®. She started selling in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength as word has spread that her products are comfortable, practical, and affordable. She is based in Burlington, Ontario, but sells through 80 retailers across Canada, and 3 retailers in the United Kingdom. Her website, www.janacsportswear.ca, has information about purchasing online and the location of her retailers. She can also be reached at 866-290-0821.

Janet’s business has given her a purpose in life. She loves getting positive feedback from her customers.

Update: Although Janet has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer again, she is determined to continue the fight and win the war.