Name of breast prosthetics product is inappropriate

To the Editor:

As recently retired family physicians in Horsham, we were both pleased and displeased by the front page headline of the Sunday, Dec. 30, Times Chronicle & Public Spirit (“Knitted Knockers bring comfort to breast cancer survivors.”)

The idea of providing emotional support and cosmetic satisfaction to post-operative breast cancer patients in an uncomplicated and inexpensive manner is indeed a meritorious one. However, the term “Knitted Knockers” is extremely inappropriate and cruelly demeaning when utilized in regard to any woman victimized by breast cancer. And by extension, it is also degrading to the family of the affected cancer patient.

The word “knockers” represents a crass definition of a beautiful part of the female anatomy physiologically designed for infant nutrition and for mother-child emotional contentment. The offensive word, in our experience, is outdated, long since supplanted by other equally offensive terms — but still offensive.

Coupling of those two questionable words in an attention-getting alliteration implies harmful, inappropriate humor. Rather, focus must be directed to the serious solution of a significantly sensitive medical problem.

We already have a terrific remedy, but it literally cries out for an equally acceptable name.