Hair loss, scars, and a newly-flat chest can all be very real parts of the breast cancer experience. But as women embark on a journey of physical and emotional recovery after surgery, how do they want to be spoken to? And how can brands empower them to feel confident in their changing bodies?
Lindsay Winser is the head of marketing and communications at Look Good, Feel Better, an international cancer support charity.
Emily was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 27-years-old, just months after finishing law school. After a year of active treatment, multiple surgeries, articling, and being called to the Bar, she has shifted her career to supporting and advocating for AYAs diagnosed with cancer. For the past five years, she has worked at Canadian charities supporting young women with cancer through programmes, education, and content. Currently, she works for Wildfire Magazine, a breast cancer magazine started by a survivor and the Patient as Teacher Program, integrating humanistic and patient-centred approaches into undergraduate surgical education.
Monica Harrington is a lingerie stylist, trainer, speaker, and brand and product consultant. She runs a bespoke lingerie consultancy service, delivering on-point brand and product consultancy, shoot styling, bra fit training, and workshops. She is also an ambassador for the Future Dreams charity, which helps breast cancer patients during and after treatments and surgeries, and won the Gold Award at the 2020 Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for 'Best Certification Programme' for the virtual bra fitting certification programme she designed with the Adidas Global Sales Academy team.
Sam Jacobs is a trustee at Future Dreams, a charity dedicated to raising funds for support, awareness, and research for those touched by breast cancer.
Abi Buller is the editorial assistant at Canvas8, which specializes in behavioral insights and consumer research. She holds a degree in Creative Direction for Fashion from the University of the Arts London. Outside of work, you'll find her wandering around art galleries, practising yoga and seeking out new pastel-coloured garments to add to her collection.