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I once turned down Playboy … now I am posing naked for a purpose
Anna Davis, Health Reporter23.09.09
A breast cancer survivor who turned down Playboy as a teenager has posed nude to raise awareness of the disease.
Pamina Brassey, 49, was photographed after undergoing a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
The picture was displayed at the Chelsea Arts Club in an “extraordinary portraits” exhibition.
Ms Brassey, a jewellery designer from Chelsea, acknowledged that the picture was shocking but said: “I wanted to show that the scars are a symbol of my victory over breast cancer.
“The picture is an affirmation of life. It has restored my confidence and made me feel sexy again. I hope this will help to demystify breast cancer and help other women going through the same thing to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Ms Brassey, who is from Boston but has lived in London for 25 years, was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital after feeling pain in her breasts at Christmas in 2007.
She visited her GP in January last year and was told she had nothing to worry about. But she insisted on a referral to the Royal Marsden where doctors found a tumour.
She had a mastectomy and reconstruction of her right breast and her cancer-free left breast was augmented to keep it in line.
Ms Brassey said: “After I had the operation the photographer Brian Usher asked to take my photograph for his exhibition at Chelsea Arts Club. I hadn't told a lot of people what had happened to me and this brought it into the social arena.”
Ms Brassey, who has a 22-year-old son, plans to publish her account of her battle with the disease to raise awareness of breast cancer.
She said: “I tried to find humour in my tragedy. When I was 17 I was approached in a restaurant by a recruiter for Playboy magazine.
“It was not something that I wanted to do, but I am laughing now that I waited 31 years, and until I had a mastectomy, to be photographed nude. The difference is that now I have something to say.” Ms Brassey is also working with
Cancer Research UK to raise funds through its Handbag Amnesty. Until next month, Londoners are being asked to donate a handbag to Cancer Research UK shops, where they will be sold to raise money for the charity.
Celebrities including Dame Shirley Bassey and Scarlett Johansson have also donated handbags to a fundraising eBay auction for the same campaign.
Reader views (18)
A few years ago, as I walked along the shoreline of Gunnison Beach at Sandy Hook National Shoreline in New Jersey, a popular clothing-optional beach, a pretty blond woman approached from the opposite direction -- but something was odd. Not until she was quite close did I realize what it was that was odd. Not only was she utterly flatchested but also nippleless, the result, she explained, of a double masectomy. However, she had a broad smile and a vivacious personality: and, like me, she was comfortable in her nudity and she was beautiful.
- Matthew Kerwin, Chelsea, Michigan, United States of America
I just love this. Wonderful article and the picture is beautiful. What a generous move to make Ms. Brassey. Thank you
- Ruth, Providence USA
I loved the article, loved the picture and especially loved the necklace you are wearing Pamina. Where can I get one from?
- E Mclean, London
Bravo, Pamina!!! You are an inspiration to us all!
- Roberta, Escazu, Costa Rica
What an awesome way to promote awareness! The photo is fabulous.
- Cici, Eagle, USA
Thank you, Pamina for serving as a role model for women who may be frightened and confused, facing the decisions that follow a scary diagnosis. You are a brave woman, indeed, as others have said.
- Lil, Miami, FL USA
Well done Pamina!
Brave and Beautiful!
The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.
- Dr.Michael G Millett, Willesden, London, United Kingdom
This article should be available in every breast oncologist's office and breast cancer centers as a source of hope as well as a lesson in the wisdom of getting a second opinion. Pamina has done a service to the host of women who live in fear of this frightening disease.
- Ruthie, Brookline, USA
Pamina Brassey has been added to my 'heroes' list. God Bless her !!!
- Ge, On The Road, USA
IM SO PROUD!!!
- Judith, COHASSET USA
I don't think the picture is shocking.
I think that it is a picture of a sexy, and more importantly, vibrant and brave woman.
Full credit to Ms Brassey not only for posing for the photo, but also for insisting on a referral to hospital, after her doctor said she had nothing to worry about.
I will also be making a donation to the charity as a demonstration of my respect and admiration, for Ms Brassey.
- Alan, London
Top person,Pamina, simple as that. Well done, I hope this results in many women who are, rightfully, scared of this disease and possible surgery to see it is not the end of their ability to look a woman after.
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England
Mandy of London you have got it spot on. There is a general "feeling" that a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery are a Frankenstein type operation. These pictures illustrate the truth and are worth a thousand words. Well done that brave lady, and I use the word lady in it's proper context..
- Aylyn, 03189 Orihuela Costa
Good for her, she is incredibly brave. I just hope that it does raise awareness.
- Kayxxxx, London
Very courageous. This awful disease can be beaten! Good luck and stay healthy!
- James Macleod Ritchie, Oyster Bay Cove
I think this is an incredibly brave, but extremely useful thing to do! These pictures show that whilst she bears the scars of her surgery she is still a beautiful woman and hasn't been hideously deformed by her surgery or this awful disease - which are often real fears of any woman facing this problem. Well done Pamina - I hope you continue to stay well and in remission!
- Mandy, London
Interesting. They look very good. Big up to her.
- Squiz, Islington
Brave woman
- Flo, London, UK
