International supermodel Elle Macpherson today warned that greater awareness of breast cancer was needed as any woman could fall victim to the disease.
Macpherson was in Dublin to promote the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative which aims to raise money to fight the disease.
The Australian businesswoman, who has her own range of lingerie, modelled one of the specially designed T-shirts for the official launch of the international campaign in Ireland.
"We're raising money - about a quarter of a million euro - and the money we raise from these T-shirts will go to the Irish Cancer Society and Europa Donna," she said.
The Irish Cancer Society, through its project Action Breast Cancer, provides information and support such as a national helpline, advice, breast awareness presentations and advocacy.
Europa Donna Ireland is a voluntary organisation working for women and families in the country who are affected by breast cancer.
There were 2,020 new cases of breast cancer in Ireland in 2001, of which 288 were in women under 45 years old. In addition there were 14 new cases of the cancer in men in 2001. Breast cancer is now the second most common cancer in Ireland and 671 women died of the disease in 2001.
Macpherson said that as a maker of lingerie, bras and breasts were important to her on a financial level, but the issue was also important on a "more soul level".
"Whether you're tall or thin or fat or young or old, we can all fall victim to this disease, and if its not us, it can be our mothers or sisters," she said.
"I think the T-shirts are really cool, they look great," she added. The model autographed T-shirts for shoppers in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street, where the two tops, priced €35 and €30 euro are being sold.
Other stores selling the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer T-Shirt are Brown Thomas stores in Cork, Limerick and Galway as well as selected BT2 and A-wear shops.
PA