Group Gives Free Breast Prostheses to Cancer Survivors in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A civil association in Quintana Roo is providing free external breast prostheses and orthopedic bras to women who have undergone mastectomies, funding the program with sales of honey produced by local beekeepers.

The group, Luna A.C., runs a campaign called “Regala Miel con Amor,” which sells 100% natural honey sourced from beekeepers in Leona Vicario, Chetumal and Yucatán. Each jar carries a recovery fee that goes toward buying prostheses and bras for cancer survivors.

“The campaign is called Regala Miel con Amor, and it sells 100% natural honey from beekeepers in Leona Vicario and Chetumal, as well as Yucatán. The honey is sold at a recovery fee that helps us raise funds to buy external breast prostheses and orthopedic bras, which we donate to women who have gone through cancer treatment and had a mastectomy along the way. Thanks to this effort, the support is delivered at no cost,” said Dr. Alejandro Mas, president of the organization.

A Costly Item on the Open Market

A medical-grade prosthesis costs between 20,000 and 25,000 pesos on the commercial market, while orthopedic bras run between 5,000 and 7,000 pesos. Luna A.C. provides both free of charge to anyone who requests them, without requiring socioeconomic screening.

Mas said the work carries particular weight in Quintana Roo, which ranks second nationally in breast cancer cases. He added that cases are rising among younger women, with patients as young as 18 receiving support.

He estimated that four out of every 10 cases require a mastectomy, and that removal of a breast affects self-esteem and social reintegration. Although surgical reconstruction is an option, many women prefer to avoid returning to an operating room after completing cancer treatment.

“We had the chance at some point to talk with the survivors and we told them: ‘We can donate implants, that is, surgery,’ and talking with them is extremely important, because many have told us: ‘Thank you very much, but the last time I went into an operating room was to have my breast removed. So even if you give me an implant, the last thing I want is to set foot in an operating room again.’ For them, external prostheses are a comfortable option,” he said.

Over nine years, Luna A.C. has donated more than 3,500 prostheses. The organization says it remains committed to women’s dignity and is building strategic partnerships around comprehensive rehabilitation as a key to rebuilding lives after cancer.