These photos aren't easy to look at. They're shocking and strikingly beautiful in equal measure; some may consider them disturbing or upsetting.
But it's important that we see them.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Australia, a time of year when Pink Ribbons and other awareness-raising initiatives are present in the media and social media landscape.
While it's undoubtedly vital to raise awareness of breast cancer in the community, it's equally important to foster understanding, empathy and support for those whose lives and bodies have been forever changed by this disease.
The SCAR Project, a series of large-scale portraits of over 100 women who have overcome early-onset breast cancer, is aiming to do just that. Shot by fashion photographer David Jay, the images portray a side of breast cancer rarely seen by the general public: the scars left behind by mastectomies and other surgeries. [Scroll down to see a selection]
“For these young women, having their portrait taken seems to represent their personal victory over this terrifying disease. It helps them reclaim their femininity, their sexuality, identity and power after having been robbed of such an important part of it," Jay explains.
The SCAR images are both beautiful and profoundly moving. One of the women is shown with her face in her hands; another has tears streaming down her face.
All of them have been through a harrowing, painful journey that many of us will never be able to understand.
You can see the full SCAR Project range on the website here.
To make a donation in aid of breast cancer research, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Perfect Scars book also tells the stories of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer through striking photography and inspirational words. The book retails for $40 with all proceeds going back to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research. Find more information here.
