Olivia Munn's new topless underwear shoot has an empowering message
Back in March, actor Olivia Munn spoke bravely and candidly about her breast cancer experience, which led to a double mastectomy – and now she's boldly posed for a topless photoshoot with her scars.
The images were taken as part of a SKIMS advertorial (Kim Kardashian's underwear and shapewear brand) and feature Olivia looking absolutely gorgeous in a pair of black leggings and silver heels, with her hair long and wavy. In the photos, which are taken from a side profile, Olivia goes braless and her scars are clearly visible.
It's a powerful move from the star of The Newsroom, who shared earlier this year that she underwent a double mastectomy just 30 days after her diagnosis.
Speaking about her decision to show her scars, Olivia said in an Instagram post about the shoot, "In the middle of this latest SKIMS campaign shoot, I decided I was done being insecure about my mastectomy scars. Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought. I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I'm sending."
She added that fashion brand is also donating 10% of sales (excluding bralettes) made directly via SKIMS to the Susan G. Komen, a breast cancer foundation, up until 31 October.
Olivia also appeared in a video posted by SKIMS in which she discussed her experience of breast cancer and living with scars, saying, "When it comes to breast cancer, welcome to the worst club with the best members [...] When I look at the scars or how my breasts look different, or how clothes fit on me differently, I just feel a lot of gratitude. The way my body looks is just a representation of how hard I fought."
Sharing her initial diagnosis online, Olivia posted a photo of herself in a hospital bed to her then-2.9 million followers, writing in a caption: "I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey."
She then went on to explain that after undergoing genetic testing and being told she did not have the BRCA gene (which indicates a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer), and having a normal mammogram, two months later she received the unexpected diagnosis.
"In the past ten months I have had four surgeries, so many days spent in bed I can't even count and have learned more about cancer, cancer treatment and hormones than I ever could have imagined," she continued. "Surprisingly, I've only cried twice. I guess I haven't felt like there was time to cry. My focus narrowed and I tabled any emotions that I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded."
Olivia also praised the doctor who discovered her cancer, Thaïs Aliabadi, for calculating her lifetime risk score (which amounted to 37%) and for referring her for an MRI "which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy" ahead of her next scheduled mammogram.
"The fact that she did saved my life," Olivia added. "The biopsy showed I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast moving cancer. I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day [...] Dr Aliabadi says that if the number is greater than 20%, you need annual mammograms and breast MRIs starting at the age of 30."
We're so here for Olivia sharing her important story and for her new beautiful photos.
If you'd like to learn more about a breast cancer risk assessment, visit breastcancernow.org
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