Boost: Reimagining breast prostheses with comfort, choice, and colour
Find out how Boost is giving women back choice after breast surgery and how the programme is helping them to unlock the NHS.
For many women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, traditional prostheses can feel like an additional burden. They are heavy, hot, expensive, and can be emotionally difficult to wear. Boost, co-founded by Sam Jackman, is transforming that experience with breast forms designed not just to replace what was lost, but to support women in embracing who they are now.
What is Boost and what problem does it solve?
Traditional external prostheses are typically made of silicone gel encased in polyurethane. While they aim to mimic the look of a breast, they are often uncomfortable, impractical for swimming or exercise, and costly.
Boost’s breast forms are different. With a patented open-structured design, they are lightweight, breathable, washable, and available in a range of colours – including glitter. Developed in collaboration with more than 160 women, they reflect a shift in women’s health towards choice, agency, and empowerment.
“We wanted to create something that didn’t just replace what was lost, but supported women in embracing who they are now.”
“We wanted to create something that didn’t just replace what was lost, but supported women in embracing who they are now.”
What was your inspiration and motivation?
Sam’s journey into medical innovation began at home, watching her mother struggle with conventional prostheses after breast cancer surgery.
“I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur. I used to work in museums. But seeing the challenges my mum faced, I realised we could create something better.”
Samantha Jackman, Co-founder & Director, Boost
With creativity and determination, she co-founded Boost alongside a product engineer and development specialist. Together, they set out to make prostheses that truly worked for women’s lives.
Why did you become a Fellow?
Despite selling directly to thousands of women, breaking into the NHS was a challenge. The Joining the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) provided the bridge.
“We didn’t speak NHS. We had real-world evidence, thousands of women wearing our products, but that wasn’t the kind of evidence the NHS needed. The NIA gave us the translation we needed. It helped us understand what clinicians and trusts needed to hear.”
Looking ahead
The vision for Boost is to expand both range and reach.
“We want to be the alternative. In five years, I want every woman – regardless of size, skin tone, or lifestyle – to have access to a breast form that works for her. Whether you’re swimming, jogging, or just living your life, you should have options.”
Boost is doing more than reimagining prostheses, it is reshaping the narrative around life after breast cancer.
With Boost, women aren’t just given a prosthesis, they’re given a choice. And sometimes, that choice comes in glitter.
Want to find out more? Visit the innovation page where you can contact the innovator directly, or check out their website.
