The exhibition of black and white photos by Małgorzata Lakowska and Anna Szołucha was organized as part of the nationwide “#PomacajSie” campaign of the “See to the One You Love” Foundation. This series of photos of women experiencing breast cancer promotes self-examination and its importance in the early detection of the disease, and draws attention to the need for prevention.
“We have no such influence on whether we will get sick as we do on when we diagnose the disease, and early detection gives a chance for complete recovery” said the authors of the exhibition and Joanna Borkowska, one of the subjects of the photos and currently the coordinator of the “Action Sun” Social Project. It is a voluntary service of cancer patients who have experienced this affliction.
What was the most difficult thing for the authors and subjects of the portraits, of which 200 have already been made? In many cases, overcoming fear and anxiety about posing, stereotypes about sick people, a woman’s bod, and her needs when fighting the disease.
However, as Joanna Borkowska admitted, the photos added her strength and increased her sense of value and femininity, which is very important when suffering from breast cancer.
“I am full of praise for the heroines of the photos for finding courage to take part in the session. Such images say more than words,” admitted professor Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, vice-rector for clinical affairs and investments, at the opening of the exhibition. “This is probably their most important message: let’s not be afraid of the disease, let’s not be afraid of talking about it in this way. But above all, let’s examine ourselves.”
“Each of us knows women around us who are struggling with breast cancer,” said professor Dorota Olaczak-Kowalczyk, vice-rector for personnel and organizational matters. “That’s why I encourage all women to perform self-examination and take preventive tests regardless of age, because the problem can affect both mature and very young women.”
