Turning Tea Time into Life-Saving Conversations
A simple cup of tea is becoming a powerful vehicle for change in Australia. Tetley, in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), has launched the Uncomfortable Cup campaign to turn everyday tea moments into meaningful discussions about breast cancer. The aim is clear: break the silence surrounding symptoms, screening, and the support networks that can make a critical difference in outcomes.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia, with more than 21,000 new cases expected in 2025. Each day, nine Australians lose their lives to the disease. Yet, conversations about breast cancer are often avoided, leaving many to grapple with fear in silence. The Uncomfortable Cup campaign recognizes that initiating dialogue can be uncomfortable, but also profoundly necessary for early detection and stronger support networks.
How the Campaign Works
The initiative leverages a nationwide reach by pairing Tetley’s familiar tea moments with BCNA’s trusted information and services. A limited-edition pink pack of Tetley Tea Cup 100s is available, with five cents from every pack sold donated to BCNA. The funds help ensure Australians affected by breast cancer have access to information, support services, and advocacy.
In addition, Tetley has commissioned a series of unique artisan cups featuring sensory touch designs that reflect physical sensations associated with self-examination. These mugs are not just functional objects; they are conversation starters designed to spark personal stories and practical discussions about symptoms and screening.
Through social media, the campaign invites Australians to share their experiences, turning private fears into public conversations. By normalizing talk about breast health, the campaign seeks to empower people to check themselves, seek timely medical advice, and support loved ones who may be navigating treatment and recovery.
The Power of Conversation, From the Kitchen Table to Early Detection
Divya Shrivastava, Head of Marketing ANZ at Tetley, emphasizes the role of small, daily actions in saving lives. “Sharing a cup of tea can be the catalyst for conversations, which no matter how uncomfortable, are deeply necessary. Whether checking in with a loved one, sharing a personal story, or learning about symptoms and screening, these moments of connection can lead to early detection, greater understanding, and stronger support.”
The campaign also features real-life voices from Australians affected by breast cancer, underscoring how silence can hinder timely care while openness can foster resilience and solidarity.
Case Studies: Voices from Melbourne and Sydney
Reshu Basnyat, Melbourne, was diagnosed with triple-positive aggressive breast cancer at 33 while pregnant with her first child. “Near the end of my first trimester, a lump grew hard to ignore,” she recalls. The diagnosis turned fear into determination, and the BCNA Pink Lady visit in July 2023 offered essential comfort and strength. “I hope the Uncomfortable Cup encourages women to listen to their bodies, speak up early, and remember that they’re never alone.”
Paula Correa, Sydney, was diagnosed in 2020 after a breast reduction revealed a lump. During her first oncologist appointment, she found herself surrounded by strangers who became a quiet source of connection. “That silent exchange reminded me that cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she says. Her story highlights how talking openly about breast cancer, and encouraging others to do the same, can lead to faster detection and better support pathways.
What This Means for BCNA and Australian Communities
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti frames the campaign as a practical embodiment of the organisation’s mission: being present in the moments that matter most. “The conversations people avoid are often the ones that can save lives. When someone receives a positive diagnosis, or navigates treatment, they know they can turn to BCNA for information, peer support, and advocacy.”
By transforming kitchen table talks into actionable steps—whether that means booking a screening, sharing information, or simply checking in with a friend—the Uncomfortable Cup campaign strives to reduce delays in detection, improve understanding, and strengthen community support. The initiative is not just about awareness; it’s about turning empathy into action, one tea moment at a time.
How to Get Involved
People across Australia can participate by purchasing the limited-edition pink Tetley Tea Cup 100s and sharing their own conversations using the campaign’s social prompts. For more information about breast cancer symptoms, screening guidelines, and local support services, visit BCNA and Tetley’s campaign hub.
In a country where the numbers are stark but the human stories are powerful, a cup of tea can become a lifeline. The Uncomfortable Cup reminds us that discussing breast cancer—however challenging—can lead to early detection, better care, and a more supported community for every Australian facing this disease.
For more information, visit https://www.tetley.com.au/theuncomfortablecup/
Contact details: Kate Crosbie | [email protected] | 0437 087 807
