Serena Williams went topless and covered I Touch Myself for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Olivia Harvey
Updated
Serena Williams went topless and covered I Touch Myself for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tennis star Serena Williams is once again making headlines for her outspoken badassery. This time, rather than calling out the unfair treatment of women in sports, Williams is using her voice to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On September 30th, she uploaded a video of herself singing the legendary hit “I Touch Myself” by The Divinyls.

“This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit ‘I Touch Myself’ to remind women to self-check regularly,” Williams wrote on Instagram. “Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colors, all around the world. Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that.”

Williams created the video to promote the I Touch Myself Project. Founded in 2014, it honors The Divinyls’ late Chrissy Amphlett, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013. The project aims to remind women to prioritize their health.

According to the I Touch Myself Project’s website, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection via self-examination and regular doctor visits vastly increases a woman’s ability to beat a breast cancer diagnosis.

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This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit “I Touch Myself” to remind women to self-check regularly. _ Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colors, all around the world. Early detection is key - it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that. _ The music video is part of the I Touch Myself Project which was created in honor of celebrated diva, Chrissy Amphlett, who passed away from breast cancer, and who gave us her hit song to remind women to put their health first. The project is proudly supported by @BerleiAus for Breast Cancer Network Australia. _ Visit the link in my bio to find out more. #ITouchMyselfProject #BerleiAus #BCNA #DoItForYourself

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Sep 29, 2018 at 8:19am PDT

Williams partnered with clothing and underwear brand Berlei and the Breast Cancer Network Australia to spread the message of the I Touch Myself Project.

Through the I Touch Myself website, women (and men) can learn how to accurately examine their own breasts for signs of cancer or breast health issues. An easy-to-understand diagram helps you understand what’s normal and what’s not. The site also urges others to spread awareness about the importance of touching yourself.

You can share your own post using the hashtag #itouchmyselfproject.

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When I think about you I touch myself ???? Ladies (and men) if you haven't felt for irregularities lately now is the time to do so! ???? It's breast cancer awareness month and I encourage y'all to post your own #myhandbra photo to spread the word! I nominate @_lauragarrick @aborah_k_daborah @sketchshe @hayleygiahughes and @emmalouise89 #itouchmyselfproject @itouchmyselfproject #breastcancerawareness #love #smile #friends #sydney

A post shared by Bronte Kellam-Pearson (@bronteonstage) on Oct 19, 2016 at 5:58pm PDT

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OCTOBER 2018 IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH... I Touch Myself Project was launched in 2014, following the passing of Chrissy Amphlett of the Divinyls. The project was created in Chrissy's honour with a mission to create educational forums that remind women to touch themselves. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I Touch Myself Project has launched an inspiring version of the song starring Serena Williams. As a Stage 5 Cervical Cancer Survivor myself, I urge everyone to get their regular testings done (pap smears, mammograms, prostrate etc). For my survivor mates (Jane & Karen @aus_kaz ), I applaud you all for going through hell to reach remission. #cancersurvivor#warriors#strong #itouchmyselfproject#berleiaus #bcna#doitforyourself #breastcancerawareness #womenshealth#grrrlarmy #itouchmyselfproject #serenawilliams @itouchmyselfproject @serenawilliams @berleiaus For more information visit https://www.berlei.com.au/TheChrissy

A post shared by Elaine Gallagher (@burmeseprincess) on Sep 29, 2018 at 11:25pm PDT

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This time last year I posted a photo of myself for breast cancer awareness as I myself lost someone because of it. But this time it's so much more important as I had a health scare just over a month ago with my doctors fearing it could be breast cancer. Thankfully I was lucky, but not everyone is, so here is your friendly reminder to check for lumps! #myhandbra #itouchmyselfproject #breastcancer #awareness #blackandwhite #selfie #health

A post shared by Georgia Rose Vixen (@georgia_rose_vixen) on Nov 4, 2017 at 9:29pm PDT

As the National Breast Cancer Foundation notes, women should check their breasts monthly for unusual developments.

If you detect abnormal lumps, nipple inversions, breast irritation, pain, or dimpling of the skin, seek advice from your doctor right away.

This October, join the I Touch Myself Project and Serena Williams in spreading the message of self-examination. Learn your body, and take care of yourself. And if you’re ever in doubt, talk to your doctor.