OCTOBER is breast cancer month, a time when we usually “think pink”. But this year we’ve been encouraged to “rock out in black”.
In tribute to Australian rock goddess, Chrissy Amphlett of the Divinyls, Berlei has created two new bras for the 2016 I Touch Myself Project. Founded by Chrissy’s husband Charley Drayton, the charity seeks to raise awareness of self-examination and early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Every day in Australia about 50 women are diagnosed with breast or a gynaecological cancer. However survival rates continue to improve in Australia. Research indicates that 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer can survive five or more years beyond diagnosis.
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Sadly, not so for Chrissy, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013 aged 53.
A mammogram and ultrasound initially failed to detect her breast cancer. It was only when she found a lump and insisted her doctor do a biopsy, that the cancer was discovered. As a consequence, she wanted her 1990 global hit, I Touch Myself, to be an anthem to spread awareness about the importance of self examining.
The I Touch Myself Project reminds women to be in touch with their bodies, and if something’s not right, to see their doctor.
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For the launch of the charity in 2104, Cancer Council NSW commissioned a cast of home-grown stars, to re-work Chrissy’s global hit single (see video below) as a homage to her legacy.
“She would have wanted us to be more in touch with ourselves and to listen to what’s going on inside physically, and to be more in charge of our destiny and not wait for doctors or advisers to be in charge of us,” Amphlett’s widower Charley Drayton said at the time.
Aussie musicians in the new campaign — country music star and breast cancer survivor Catherine Britt, Sydney indie pop band Little May, and Katy Steele from four-piece rock band Little Birdy — wear the new Chrissy Bra. Picture: Tony Mott.
The Chrissy T-shirt bra (left) and the Chrissy Post-Surgery bra
Shot by rock photographer Tony Mott, the campaign features Australian musicians posing in the new bras (above). The Chrissy bra range includes a black T-Shirt bra and an underwire-free post-surgery bra for those have had a mastectomy.
The post-surgery bra revolutionises the post-care bra with a sexy rock’n’roll design. It is has stretch cotton inner pockets to accommodate prosthesis, seam-free cups to minimise rubbing and soft, fully adjustable shoulder straps for the ultimate in comfort and support.
The T-shirt bra is only available at Berlei.com.au. All profits from the Chrissy Bra range go to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
HOW TO BE BREAST AWARE
Detecting breast cancer early is the best chance of survival, so it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any changes. What to look (and feel) for:
- A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- A change in the size or shape of your breast
- A change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- A nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- A change in the skin or your breast such as redness or dimpling
- An unusual pain that doesn’t go away
So please take the time to “touch yourself” and share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues.
You can also help keep Chrissy’s dream alive by spreading her message. Visit itouchmyself.org and help support the #itouchmyselfproject
For more information, to donate or show your support for breast cancer, go to Cancer Australia, Think Pink Foundation, Pink Ribbon Day.
