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Actress shows scars after mastectomy in advertising campaign


Actress shows scars after mastectomy in advertising campaign

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Other celebrities have been vocal about their decision to undergo the procedure, including Angelina Jolie, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Kathy Bates and Australian presenter Sally Obermeder.

Although there is increasing awareness of the reality of living with breast cancer, images of women celebrating their post-mastectomy bodies can still be censored. For example, in 2019, Facebook banned a Breast Cancer Network Australia campaign featuring topless survivors.

“Any woman who proudly displays her mastectomy scars is truly moving the needle on representation and starting important conversations,” says Pilatti.

Kerri Filler, chief operations manager of Cancer Chicks, a national support network for young women affected by cancer or chronic illness, praises this visibility.

“Any training, any encounter, anything that makes it a little bit normal is the best. And the more we talk about it, the more aware the younger generation becomes,” she said.

“I think anyone who would like to do a campaign like this is fantastic.”

The CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, says: “As with most surgeries, scars after a mastectomy are common.” Scars and other changes to the breasts are nothing to be ashamed of, and some women share their scars as a personal symbol of strength, resilience and courage.”

“Sharing a breast cancer journey can help raise awareness of breast cancer and reinforce the importance of medical research funded by organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation to improve outcomes for people at risk of breast cancer or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.”

For further support and information, call the free BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258 or visit www.bcna.org.au or nbcf.org.au.

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