‘Every mark life left behind is proof of how hard I fought’: Breast cancer survivor Olivia Munn displays mastectomy scars in new campaign

Earlier, the American actress has shared on Instagram that, despite testing negative for 90 cancer-related genes, including the BRCA gene, and receiving a normal mammogram in February 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer just two months later. She then underwent a double mastectomy.

As soon as she shared the pictures, her comments section flooded with love and gratitude. “And from women everywhere, thank you! And thank you for always keeping it so real,” a follower commented, as another wrote: “I LOVE my lumpectomy scar!!! It’s a daily reminder of how rough & resilient I am!!!!” (sic)

 

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Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa said that women suffering from breast cancer undergo harrowing physical procedures, which can be equally taxing emotionally. The entire experience can be very traumatic.

“Society, as we know it, is focused on appearances, and there is an obsession with adhering to societal constructs. But, post any disease or accident that causes scarring, discarding the need for approval and defying the standards of beauty requires a lot of strength and self-love,” said Vatsa. According to her, embracing them can almost feel like wearing your battle scars proudly. It also gives so much confidence to others facing similar situations.

Agreeing, counselling psychologist Priyamvada Tendulkar said that one of the biggest factors contributing to one’s self-image is one’s body and how it looks, and scars from illness or injury can have a huge impact.

 

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“It can affect a person deeply because not only is it a physical reminder of the trauma and pain associated with the illness, but it is also a constant reminder of the “flaw or blemish” on what seemed to be an unblemished canvas of the body before,” Tendulkar said. According to her, people may end up over-focusing and becoming hypervigilant about that particular part of the body, which leads them into feeling ugly, or “less than whole”. Shame and disgust can make them feel incredibly disempowering.

“When people with scars confront the beliefs and feelings of shame, especially in a safe context with loved ones or professionals first, they realise that they have a choice of perception –– either their scars can represent something that was taken from them, or they can represent what they have survived, and instead, represent their resilience,” Tendulkar said.

Both experts agreed that embracing these marks can foster confidence, inspire others, and create a sense of solidarity—a beacon of hope for those feeling isolated or self-conscious about their scars.