A new mural depicting the Mona Lisa with mastectomy scars has appeared outside Milan’s National Cancer Institute, using one of the world’s most recognisable artworks to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis.
Created by contemporary artist aleXsandro Palombo on 20 October 2026, the work marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and brings attention to the physical and emotional impact of breast cancer surgery.
Mona Lisa reimagined as a survivor
The mural portrays the Mona Lisa pulling aside her pink dress to reveal the scars of a double mastectomy. Through the familiar figure, Palombo brings a reality experienced by many women into public view.
Mastectomy scars are still rarely represented in public spaces. By placing them on a globally recognised female icon, the artist connects illness, identity and physical transformation, challenging the stigma surrounding the marks left by surgery.
Raising awareness of prevention and early diagnosis
The artwork also highlights the importance of breast cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis.
Beyond medical awareness, the mural explores how illness and surgery can affect a person’s relationship with their body and sense of identity. It challenges the tendency to keep the physical consequences of treatment out of public view and encourages wider discussion about body acceptance.
The mural stands outside Milan’s Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT), established in 1928 and recognised as a centre for cancer research and treatment.
Who is aleXsandro Palombo?
Palombo is an internationally recognised contemporary artist known for works that challenge social conventions and explore popular culture, inequality, inclusion, diversity, ethics and human rights.
His work often uses familiar cultural figures to draw attention to issues that are underrepresented or difficult to discuss, bringing social questions into public spaces.
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