Tetley Tea Australia, in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and creative agency Showpony, has launched The Uncomfortable Cup, a national campaign designed to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. In time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the initiative invites Australians to engage in an important conversation, over a humble cup of tea.
For over 100 years, Tetley has been at the heart of Australian conversations, but some topics, like breast cancer remain difficult. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women and is on the rise in men (and women). Currently, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia. (Breast Cancer Trials, 2025).
The centrepiece of The Uncomfortable Cup campaign is a collection of handcrafted ceramic mugs. Each mug is as unique as the individuals they represent, incorporating tactile features that simulate what some symptoms might feel or look like in real life – it’s a quiet but powerful tool to educate, prompt self-examination, and encourage open dialogue.
“We know conversations about breast cancer can feel awkward or even scary,” said Divya Shrivastava, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Tetley ANZ. “With the creation of The Uncomfortable Cup, our honest effort is to bring this issue to the table – literally – with empathy, insight, and purpose.”
The campaign runs nationally across out-of-home placements, social media, digital, and a dedicated website. Activity will continue with ongoing awareness and education via digital platforms, reaching its peak in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the Uncomfortable Cups officially go live.
Developed in collaboration with Showpony and Tetley, the campaign aims to normalise breast cancer conversations and equip Australians with the knowledge to detect symptoms early. This initiative responds to a clear community need for more open discussion around this important issue.
“We wanted to create something tactile and thoughtful – a simple cup that makes a powerful statement,” said Nic Maumill, Creative Director at Showpony. “We are really proud to partner with legacy brand Tetley and Breast Cancer Network Australia on such an important cause, and there’s no better moment to talk than over tea, and no better time than now.”
Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Director of Brand, Engagement and Income, Rachel Carr said, “The Uncomfortable Cup is a much-needed conversation starter about early detection.
When we know how to do self-checks and recognise symptoms, we have a better chance of getting help early, accessing effective treatments, and recovering.
“It’s also about knowing how to support people who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, breast cancer. Some people affected by breast cancer say that conversations about the disease and treatment effects with family and friends can sometimes make their experience harder, more awkward and uncomfortable. We hope The Uncomfortable Cup gets people talking about breast cancer more openly to make the subject far less uncomfortable for everyone.”
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