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Serena Williams has shared a compelling music video for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The video is part of the I Touch Myself Project, which was created in honour of Chrissy Amphlett, an Australian singer who died of breast cancer in 2013, at the age of 53.
The project calls on women around the world to, “Make a pledge to take your breast health in your hands.” Organisers have asked for women to take a picture showing themselves holding their breasts (they say over your clothes is fine) and share it on social media with the hashtag #ITouchMyselfProject. They hope lots of women get involved as a symbol of unity.
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supporting breast cancer awareness
The video begins with a close-up of Serena’s face. As she sings, the camera pans out to show she is standing naked, with her hands covering her breasts. The lyrics are poignant; discussing issues such as self-love and searching oneself [for possible lumps].
In a post shared on her official Instagram, Serena said, “I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls’ global hit I Touch Myself to remind women to self-check regularly.” The tennis champion hopes the song will encourage more women to “put their health first”.
“Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that.”
This campaign is unlike anything she’s ever done before. The mother-of-one admits, “Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone. But I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women; of all colours, all around the world. Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that.”
On average, eight women in Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day. Charities including the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation are doing excellent work to support women through this illness, as well as raising much-needed funds for research. For more information, visit cancer.ie/breastcancer.