XIXILI x Signature Market Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Women to be a UNIQUECORN (Oct 2021)

The social stigma associated with cancer can be devastating, with losing hair, fear, rejection, isolation, and others. Regardless of what one may experience, it is important to encounter it while seeking the right support. Learning to be comfortable with one’s body during and after breast cancer treatment is a personal journey, one that is different for every woman. Change of mindset is pertinent for every brave woman to stand up, fight the disease and continue to live life like normal.

As part of the Be A Uniquecorn campaign, Signature Market collaborated with 12 lifestyle brands, including XIXILI, to put together a special edition Be A Uniquecorn goody box priced at only RM35. Part of the proceeds from the sale were channeled to BCWA, and we're proud to announce a total of RM20 000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA). Participating brands included Signature Market, Marc Jacobs, XIXILI, Chloé, Philosophy, Hair Atelier, Benefit Cosmetics, Agrain, Alcosm, Misclaire, Maystar, Machine and Under Armour. 

Realising the importance of having the right support and the need to emerge stronger, this campaign aimed to empower women to accept the differences in shapes and sizes that make each and every one unique and beautiful in their own way. Hence, all women deserve to be a ‘Uniquecorn’.

“The campaign is designed to enforce the message that it is important for every woman irrespective of the challenges she goes through to acknowledge her condition and embrace herself in all her uniqueness knowing that she is not alone. Signature Market signifies the importance of reaching out and being a strong support in every way possible especially to women who are fighting cancer. We hope this campaign can increase the self-awareness among our customers, thus providing unconditional care and love from our side,” said Edwin Wang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Signature Market.

Any woman will find it difficult to accept the fact when diagnosed with breast cancer. But cancer fighters like Aimi Yusoff, diagnosed with advanced breast cancer stage 4, have never been discouraged from fighting cancer. Throughout her 7 years of undergoing treatment until now, she has been fighting it and does her very best to endure it even though sometimes she feels like giving up. Blessed with valuable support and love from her family and friends, she continues to stand up and confronts it in the strongest way possible.

“As a breast cancer survivor, I want to remind everyone that it is so important for us to listen to our body and go for regular checkups. Because I truly believe that early detection can save lives. Moral support from family and friends are also important as we are not meant to go through this journey alone. That’s what life is about anyway, to be spent with the people we love.

Meanwhile, Clinical Oncologist Dr. Mastura Md Yusof emphasised that breast cancer is potentially curable if it is detected and treated early. It is important for women to check their breasts regularly to look out for anything unusual, as women would know how their breasts normally look and feel. However, there are also certain external lifestyle factors such as diet, high consumption of alcohol, and medicines containing hormones that may lead to breast cancer. Hence, women need to be more aware of their lifestyle habits, which includes incorporating a healthy lifestyle and being cautious about the effects of consuming certain medications.

“This October, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will continue to raise awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer and show our support. Emotional and moral support are very important for cancer patients, especially during this current situation. Having them share their experiences and show how they have survived will be able to give new hope to others who are going through the same journey. We want them to accept their challenges, look deeper within themselves and embrace their uniqueness,” added Dr. Mastura.