Almost one year ago, Australian rock legend Chrissy Amphlett, of the infamous band The Divinyls, passed away following her battle with breast cancer, at age 53.
Chrissy was passionate about spreading awareness around the importance of early detection of breast cancer and wanted her song ‘I Touch Myself’ to become an anthem for women’s health around the world.
As a tribute, Chrissy’s family & friends, Cancer Council and marketing communications agency JWT Sydney came together to turn her divine dream into reality by launching theI Touch Myself Project.
This week, a music video was launched featuring leading female artists – Olivia Newton John, Megan Washington, Sarah McLeod, Katie Noonan, Sarah Blasko, Suze DeMarchi, Deborah Conway, Kate Ceberano, Little Pattie and Connie Mitchell– in a tender rendition of Chrissy’s song.
Marking the first anniversary of Chrissy’s passing on 21April 2014, the campaign asks women to ‘touch themselves’, reminding them to get to know the look and feel of their breasts.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said one in eight Queensland women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“Early detection is one of the most important factors in beating breast cancer,” Ms Clift said.
“This campaign encourages women to get to know their breasts better – all women need to be breast aware and check their breasts regularly.
“It’s critically important that women who notice changes in their breasts see their doctor immediately.
“All women should discuss their individual risk of breast cancer, and steps to prevent breast cancer, with a trained professional.”
The campaign is supported by a website: itouchmyself.org, and a social media campaign that encourages people to share how they’ve been touched by breast cancer using the hashtag #itouchmyselfproject on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & Google+.
Through the combined support of the female vocalists and celebrity ambassadors including Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek, celebrity chef Kylie Kwong and RocWiz’s Julia Zemiro, the campaign is set to become a media and social media circuit-breaker.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Queensland women and the second biggest killer of Queensland women.
Each year more than 2900 Queenslanders are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 500 people die from the disease.
Cancer Council Queensland has launched a new website, womenscancers.org.au, inviting people to raise awareness and funds to support all Queensland women diagnosed with cancer.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or M: 0409 001 171
About the campaign:
The I Touch Myself Project is a passion project for all those involved. Chrissy’s family, co-songwriters, and her husband, Charley Drayton, kindly donated the infamous song, while the female artists, celebrity ambassadors, directors, agency and crew donated their time and talent.
The I Touch Myself Project is the brainchild of marketing communications agency JWT, who worked in partnership with digital agency Soap Creative, production house Collider, and PR agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
Notes to editor:
Breast cancer: what to do at different ages:
- Age 25 to 40
You know your breasts, but what is ‘your’ normal when it comes to look and feel?
Don’t hesitate to seek health advice if you notice any changes
If there is a history of cancer in your family, talk to your doctor
For more information contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or www.cancercouncil.com.au.
- Age 40 to 49
Talk to your doctor and establish if a mammogram is right for you
If you are aged between 40 to 49 you are eligible for a free breast screening
You also need to know what is normal when it comes to look and feel, and don’t hesitate to seek health advice if you notice any changes
For more information contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or www.cancercouncil.com.au.
- Age 50 to 74
You should be having a mammogram every two years. Call BreastScreen on 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram
30 minutes every two years can offer peace of mind
Get to know your breasts, get to know what is normal when it comes to the look and feel of your breasts and seek health advice if you notice any changes
For more information contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or www.cancercouncil.com.au.
- Age 75 or over
Talk to your doctor to ask if you should continue to have mammograms
Women over 75 may also have free breast screening mammograms as recommended by your doctor.
For more information contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or www.cancercouncil.com.au.
Some risk factors for breast cancer are not easy to change like being female and your age, but there are some things you can do that may help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle choices:
Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for women who have been through menopause.
Be physically active. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that vigorous exercise when you’re young might provide lifelong protection against breast cancer, and that even moderate physical activity as an adult can lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
Limit or avoid drinking alcohol. About 1 in 8 breast cancers may be attributable to alcohol consumption. If you do choose to drink, limit yourself to 1 standard drink a day.
Don’t smoke. There is no clear link between smoking and breast cancer, but toxins from cigarettes have been found in breast cells. As smoking is a major cause of heart disease, lung cancer and many other cancers, not smoking is always a smart health choice.