A woman has made a powerful post slamming Facebook’s breast cancer awareness campaign that urges people online to put a heart on a female friend’s Facebook wall.
Fe Lumsdaine, from Sydney, is countering the hearts with an honest message about what breast cancer really looks like.
In her Facebook post, she wrote:
“Seriously people. STOP sending me messages asking me to post a heart on my Facebook wall in support of Breast Cancer. Are you kidding me?
“Here is a REAL photograph of my post-breast-cancer-post-double-mastectomy-post-failed-reconstruction chest. Taken today. 5 minutes ago even. Enjoy. Don’t be me. CHECK YOUR BOOBS.”
“And stop sending me that shit.”
Women are asked to post a heart on their female friends’ Facebook walls, then send a private message explaining that the heart is a subtle reminder to get themselves checked for lumps.
Fe told Kidspot that this is not the way to promote breast cancer awareness, instead check for lumps or any changes on the breast area. “Anything to help women understand the importance of early detection,” she said.
In the photo that Fe posted, she also explained how costly reconstructive plastic surgery can be, and multiple operations are needed.
“Expander still in after 24-months because I am on a waitlist for further reconstruction surgery because after the 6 unsuccessful surgeries that I’ve had in the private system I can’t afford to pay for the plastic surgery to give an even result.”
Fe’s post has gained more than 1,200 shares.
Cancer Australia states that an estimated 16,084 people were diagnosed with breast cancer last year. However, there is currently a 90% five-year survival rate due to people getting diagnosed and treated earlier.
Source: Kidspot.com.au