A 36-year-old woman says long-term pain linked to very large breasts has forced her out of work after the NHS declined her request for reduction surgery under new rules.
Mary Rich says her breast size has caused severe back and spinal pain for many years. She claims the condition now affects her ability to stand, move freely, and complete everyday tasks, leaving her dependent on benefits and daily support from her partner.
Mary first approached the NHS for help in her 20s and was advised to improve her health before qualifying. After losing weight and stopping smoking, she reapplied in late 2024 but was rejected again. She says the decision was based on updated criteria that now require specific skin conditions, which she does not have.
Private surgery costs far beyond what she can afford. Mary fears that without treatment her condition will worsen, potentially leading to permanent disability. She argues that early surgery would be more cost-effective than long-term care.
After two decades working in healthcare, Mary says she can no longer work due to pain and exhaustion. She now relies on financial support while waiting for further benefit decisions.
Mary believes the policy change has unfairly restricted access to care for women with chronic pain. A spokesperson for NHS said policies are reviewed regularly and encouraged patients to discuss their experiences with local services.
