A woman who overcame breast cancer twice in 10 years is on a mission to support other victims through the power of underwear.

Carole-Ann Woods, from South Darenth, was diagnosed with the disease in 2004 and again in 2010. She had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Now the 47-year-old has joined the Bra Lady franchise, which sees women visit breast cancer sufferers and survivors in their own homes with specially designed underwear to offer a one-to-one fitting service.

She launched her business on the same day as her late parents’ wedding anniversary, to honour them and particularly in memory of her mother who also suffered with breast cancer.

She said: “I’ve had this burning desire to satisfy the market since my own surgeries.

“I’m here to prove you can survive this horrible condition and I am trying to turn something very negative into a positive.

“Like many ladies I struggled to get the appropriate underwear. There’s not a great deal available for them throughout the different stages of their surgeries and beyond.

“Having some decent underwear can make a hell of a difference.

“When you go through surgery your femininity takes a big hit as well as your confidence and self-esteem.

“Every day feels like a bad hair day and nothing seems to go or feel right. We all like to look good and this is about building on that.

“With cancer you go through a lot of emotions and the chore of finding something as simple as underwear really shouldn’t be an issue.

“Being able to guarantee putting something on which fits well, helps people to get through their trauma.

“I wish it had been there when I was going through it. I just hope I’m able to help other ladies in this situation.”

For information on fittings call 07814444798, or click here to visit the Bra Lady website.