Selfies:- Here's why!

[Joysmum]

I started the day thinking these selfies were self indulgent and pointless, I've now changed my mind but ONLY if people remember to post the reason for doing it. Remind women to check their breasts TODAY and to donate if they can.

We older ladies may know about breast cancer, but many younger women don't know how to check themselves.

Many older women don't know how to check themselves.

Of all the women who do know how to check themselves, many may have forgotten to recently. Your selfie should prompt them to do so.

Many would think to donate, despite being in a position to.


So yes it does raise awareness and funds, but does so most effectively when accompanied by the clear message as to why!

I've changed my mind about the selfies since realising this, who else will?

[ionamitchell]

I think the selfies have raised more awareness and have encouraged people to check their breasts and donate . I did :)

[IneedAwittierNickname]

If people posted the reasons for the selfies then I wouldn't mind.
BUT only 1 of the 20ish selfies I've seen have mentioned donating, none have mentioned checking.

[SantanaLopez]

How the hell is posting a picture of yourself with no make up going to teach you how to check your breasts?

[LittleprincessinGOLDrocks]

I have to say I was most impressed by my male friends selfie - it was of him and his Iphone. On the Iphone was a thank you from Cancer research saying he had donated £3 by texting Beat to 70099.
also a friend did her selfie and wrote that she had found out it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Ovarian Cancer web page
Something like what those friends did is useful and makes a difference. Just posting a plain selfie doesn't achieve much at all.

[fatedtopretend]

I posted a picture of how to check your breasts instead. I thought it might raise more awareness than looking at my spots.

[AFishCalledBarry]

Why does it have to be a selfie though? Why can't people just say "don't forget to check your breasts" with a link to a site explaining how and when?

[TheWickerWoman]

Just seen an article from Cancer Research UK;

" A spokeswoman said tens of thousands of text donations have been from people getting involved in the latest online craze today alone"

"We have received over £15,000 in donations so far, which has only been made possible from the public getting behind this campaign. We're really grateful for everyone's support."

[HerrenaHarridan]

Yanbu, personally I wouldn't do it and I think it's cringe worthy (I never wear make up anyway so it's not like you'd see anything different if I did)

BUT for some people a pic without make up is a huge deal and I think that is not right to shoot down people's attempts to do a good thing unless its actually damaging

It a publicity stunt and its been quite effective. I'm glad that people are raising awareness of caring about anything outside their bubble and i'm glad they are encouraging each other to believe they look just fine without their make up

[EBearhug]

I never wear make up anyway so it's not like you'd see anything different if I did

Well, quite, but I do recognise it is a big deal for some people. It hasn't prompted me to check my breasts, as I took a while to realise that's what was going on, and why people were posting selfies. I think posting a link to how to check your breasts probably has more point. However, if Cancer Research has gained thousands in donations, then I guess it is working for people who have different FB friends than I do. Or possibly it's just me who gets confused...

[Innocentbystander01]

I think it's a good thing it's raised some money.

Saying taking a selfie has nothing to do with raising awareness is as pointless as saying running has nothing to do with cancer. Thousands of people take part in the race for life every year and nobody shoots then down for trying to raise a bit of money and awareness.

Every bit helps and if some photos of women with no make up has caused a surge in donations today then more power to everyone who took part.

[LittleprincessinGOLDrocks]

I have had a lot of selfies in my feed that in no way mention Cancer awareness. They were just "here is a selfie of me without make up. Your turn now: XXX". Those do not achieve much.
Those who mention what it is for and donate / post links to cancer awareness sites achieve a lot more.

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

YABU for starting yet another thread.

[WooWooOwl]

None of the many selfies I have seen have said anything about breast cancer, or checking, or symptoms, so they are pretty much all pointless. One person linked to cancer research donations, but I have a standing order already.

Selfies do nothing to raise awareness. No one is going to see one and think 'oh! Cancer!? Never heard of that before, I'd better look it up and then have a feel of my boobs/balls'.

[HerrenaHarridan]

I agree it would be more effective with a bloody link, I just think its a bloody shame how many people piss on other people's parades when they try and do something good and just tell then how they should have done it better

[Innocentbystander01]

Well I saw one and thought "oh I will donate something now I also had a check of my boobs in the shower" I've seen at least 13 other people on my newsfeed posting that they donated.
Cancer research has tweeted their thanks at the surge in donations so it obviously has worked.