3D tattoo artist keynotes reconstruction event at UC

Beth Fairchild, medical tattooist and president of support group METAvivor, is also a metastatic breast cancer patient. She will be the keynote speaker and will deliver a talk titled “Medical Tattooing and the Art of 3D Areola Nipple Tattoos” from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

In 2014, at the age of 34, Fairchild was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer; her mother had been previously been diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer, and her grandmother had passed away from the disease. Empowered by her diagnosis, and in an attempt to further educate on metastatic breast cancer, Fairchild started Stomp Out BC Monday, using the hashtag #DontIgnoreStageIV, which connected her to METAvivor — a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of advanced breast cancer and equity in research and patient support.

She now works in the tattoo industry and owns five studios with her husband, where she specializes in 3D areola tattoos for women who have undergone mastectomy.

“We’re delighted to have this incredible activist and survivor on campus to share her story and inspire women in our community,” says Dr. Elyse Lower, professor of oncology at UC, director of the UC Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Center and a UC Health oncologist. “This evening of learning offers an opportunity for women to come together and shed light on a topic that isn’t often widely discussed. We truly hope this event will empower women to make the best decision for them and enhance their understanding of what is available.”