Survivors will now have to go to Bathurst, Cowra or Sydney to be fitted with prosthetics, post-mastectomy bras, swimwear and underwear.

Myer Orange has two trained fitters and a range of clothing but will close down on January 29.

Service manager Anne Brakenridge said the Myer service had run for 30 years.

She said they saw around 10 women every week.

Mrs Brakenridge said the fitters had not gained similar work.

Survivor Pearl Butcher said she had hoped a replacement service would open in Orange.

“It’s such a shame that there isn’t something that would take it up,” she said.

“We are going to miss it.

“It is an individual service that is specifically designed for people with breast cancer.

“You are a bit sensitive and you are a bit emotional about things and the staff were very helpful.

“One staff member had also been diagnosed. So they knew exactly what you were going through.”

Mrs Butcher, who was diagnosed 10 years ago, is the president of the Dragons Abreast Orange dragon boat club.

“In the Dragons Abreast club we’ve got about 10 or 11 women that have had breast cancer treatment or surgery.”

Orange’s McGrath breast care nurse Sue Kuter said the change would be felt by a lot of local women.

“It’s not ideal. In the past we have had one or two places in Orange you could go to.

“Now there will be nobody on a permanent basis. Now they will only be there on a temporary basis.”

“I have about 400 women on my books, but they are not all needing breast forms.

“Eight to 10 women in the region get diagnosed every month.”

She said that women without transport would be hardest hit.

Mrs Kuter said she was working with a service in Cowra to set up at her offices at the Orange Health Service one day a month.

“I have said, ‘I have room for you.’ I think we can work something out.”

Sue Beed runs a Bathurst shop, Sheer Indulgence, which provides the service.

“I do get a lot of people from Orange and I would expect that to continue,” Mrs Beed said.

The store is open six days a week.