For over 45 years, we have passionately pursued our goal of giving women their full self-confidence after breast cancer. Since 1975, we have supported women as a proficient partner in breast care, with the highest standards in quality, innovation and design. Patents for materials and manufacturing methods are proof of our progress. However, this is by no means the end of the story. In the future, we will continue to listen carefully to the women touched by breast cancer, and to our specialist retailers, and we will continue to develop our product portfolio. All of our products are perfectly tailored to the needs of women with breast cancer - to date, we have sold over 17 million breast forms and 34 million breast care textiles. We are proud to accompany women throughout their recovery journeys, from diagnosis to a return to normal life.
Today, around 400 employees worldwide (with 200 of them at our headquarters in Raubling, Germany), work with full commitment and passion to achieve this goal. With 15 subsidiaries and a comprehensive network of distributors, we are represented in more than 70 countries.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with 2 million new cases worldwide each year. In the course of their lives, an average of one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Statistically, most women are diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 60. With thanks to good diagnostics, advanced treatment options and surgical interventions, the 5-year relative survival rate is now 90%. However, a lot changes for those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. The diagnosis is typically followed by surgical removal of the tumor and if necessary, the affected lymph nodes.
Today, around 70% of women undergo breast-conserving surgery and of an estimated 30% of cases, the entire breast is removed. Forty to sixty percent of women who have had breast-conserving surgery go on to have a second operation. The reasons for this are a recurrence of symptoms or because the visual result is not satisfactory. This applies to 10-40% of women worldwide.
Since surgeries and follow-up treatments are often serious procedures, the risk of secondary conditions also increases. Approximately 20-30% of women who have breast surgery will develop arm or thoracic lymphedema following their treatments.
At Amoena, our goal is to develop and offer products that improve quality of life for all of these women.
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women. Therefore, it's easy to assume that women receive comprehensive information and detailed counseling after their diagnosis. Unfortunately, this is not always the case - as we are told time and again.
The diagnosis of 'breast cancer' is only the first step, which is then followed by an almost unmanageable number of appointments, treatments and follow-up therapies. As good as the care may be, the flow of information between each stage does not often take place. We have set ourselves the goal of closing this gap through a closer exchange between doctors, therapists, fitters, specialists and women who've been there.
We strive to support the confidence of women after breast surgery and accompany them on their individual journey through life - we are there, from the diagnosis all the way back to a normal life. Through strong and close relationships, we inspire, empower and support. Our retail partners and medical professionals are trained and equipped with innovative solutions. We want to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service and products - designed to respond exactly to their needs.
(1) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
(2) https://gco.iarc.fr/today/;
(3) https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survival-rates;
(4) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325654#risks-at-different-ages;
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4504664/;
(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29605247/;
(7) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18259820/;
(8) https://www.oatext.com/lymphedema-following-breast-cancer-the-importance-of-surgical-methods-and-obesity.php#gsc.tab=0
