Beyond the wounds: The SCAR Project as space for examining breast cancer and mastectomy experiences

Most people never see the impact of breast cancer removal on a body. Even breast cancer survivors rarely see its physical effects on others. Gender-laden symbols underwrite breast cancer narratives, with mass media romanticizing the female body through pink ribbon imagery and youthful fashion model-perfect representations. The real body which has experienced breast cancer surgery through lumpectomy or mastectomy mostly is invisible, passive, and features scar tissue damage considered un-gaze-worthy. Yet, the Pulitzer Prize nominated Surviving Cancer: Absolute Reality (SCAR) Project uses Facebook to enable those who experience breast cancer to see post-mastectomy images and to share their own stories. Actual use of the SCAR Project Facebook page and to what end is the current study's focus. Four themes emerged among narratives: (1) Inspiration and Support, (2) Cancer Scar Meanings, (3) Authenticity, and (4) Redefined Beauty and Femininity. By examining women's experiences with breast cancer as shared on Facebook, we discuss slippages that emerge between pink ribbon imagery and processes of rebuilding female gender identity.