LOSING a breast to cancer is a traumatic and distressing time for women but one small comfort comes in the form of a special cushion, made especially for fitting under the arm.

And members of Warwick Zonta Club have been involved in helping provide Toowoomba Hospital's Breast Care patients 60 such cushions over the past four months.

"The Warwick Zonta members have worked with Queensland Corrective Services, giving the materials to women prisoners who then sew the cushions," clinical nurse consultant Marion Strong said. "This has been a wonderful project. The women prisoners have been very enthusiastic about helping women with breast cancer.

"Women prisoners from the Helana Jones Centre and Warwick Work Camp have sewn these pillows as part of their community service work. Community service projects provide valuable opportunities for prisoners to give back to the community and to learn new skills."

The cushions are moon shaped and are made from especially soft material.

Women say the cushions are a great comfort for when they are travelling and for sleeping.

Zonta breast cushion project co-ordinator Mary Goyne said Zonta was very pleased to be part of such a rewarding project.

"We know we are helping women at an extremely vulnerable time in their lives - surviving breast cancer has a huge impact on the patient, her family and friends.

"If we can make this in any way easier, then we have achieved a small win.

"We also feel that the contribution by women prisoners is another win for our communities."