Women show their mastectomy scars to stand up to breast cancer

A new visual campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer has been launched by Stand Up To Cancer UK.

A group of women have posed for topless portraits to show their mastectomy scars and to prove that they stood up to cancer. October 1 marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The thought-provoking portraits were shot by photographer Ami Barwell. Barwell posted the images on her Facebook page and encouraged people to share them to raise awareness for the campaign. The shoot includes women who survived breast cancer and those who are still receiving treatment. According to The Mirror, Barwell was inspired to create the project by her mum, Sue, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. Sue underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her cancer returned again in 2011 but she has since recovered. Stand Up To Cancer has been active since 2011. The group engages in research and trials to develop medication to stop cancer from spreading. One in nine women in Ireland will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. 14 percent of these will be under the age of 44. Every year, there are over 2,500 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed across the country. Breast Cancer Ireland has released a chart featuring the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. There are eight signs you need to look for, including an unusual swelling of the breast, dimpling of the nipple, nipple retraction, and a lump in the breast or armpit. More information about breast cancer can be found here.  Images via Ami Barwell.