The Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance (MTA) supports individuals within the Breast Cancer, BRCA, and Transgender/Non-Binary communities as they navigate their healing journey. This might follow a mastectomy, reconstruction, or gender-affirming surgery. Mastectomy tattoos can play a powerful role in restoring confidence, identity, and a sense of closure afterwards. However, these treatments are not always accessible to everyone, and cost is often the biggest barrier.
From a Cheltenham Studio to a Growing UK Network
Tanya Buxton founded MTA in 2021, working from her tattoo studio in Cheltenham. She had been offering free areola and mastectomy tattoos to breast cancer survivors there. Demand quickly grew beyond what she could manage alone. Because of this, she set up a more sustainable charity to help more people. MTA formally registered as a charity in 2022. Since then, it has built a network of approved UK artists. In 2024, it extended its support to people undergoing gender-affirming surgery too. This reflects its wider commitment to emotional wellbeing and body confidence.
A Trusted, Accessible Voucher Scheme
Today, MTA’s main support is its voucher scheme. It helps people access mastectomy tattoos through a network of vetted, approved artists across the UK. The application process is light-touch and accessible, so people do not face complex financial checks. Successful applicants choose their own artist from the directory, each one checked for quality, experience, insurance, and safeguarding. Once the tattoo is complete, the charity pays the artist directly. This means funding reaches the people who need it most, while giving them a genuine say in their own recovery.
With support from John Good Group, MTA could fund up to six months of dedicated admin and operations support. This will free Tanya to focus on securing further funding and growing its artist network. In time, this investment will mean that more people can access this life-changing support.
“It means the world to us, as such a small organisation, to be supported in this way. We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to receive areola and mastectomy tattoos, if they wish to. This specialised tattooing can be expensive, and finding the right artist can feel overwhelming – which is why the Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance plays such an important role for the breast cancer, BRCA, and transgender/non-binary communities, by providing funding and connections to those who need it.”
“Tanya has built something genuinely impactful from her own professional experience and passion for supporting the breast cancer, BRCA, and gender-diverse communities. What stands out is the strength of her model: a vetted network of skilled artists, combined with accessible funding, has already helped over a hundred people a year regain confidence and a sense of closure after surgery. With growing partnerships across the NHS and cancer charities, and a clear plan to build capacity, I’m confident MTA is well placed to reach even more people in the years ahead.”
Latest Project Updates
June 2026
Grants for Good Finalist
The Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, funded by the John Good Group, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.