Serena Williams has released a video of herself covering her bare chest with her hands and singing a cover of Australian band Divinyls’ hit I Touch Myself, to urge women to check themselves for breast cancer.

Williams showed off her strong singing voice in the video shared to her Instagram page over the weekend.

“Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colours, all around the world,” she told her fans.

“Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that.”

The ‘I Touch Myself’ project was launched by Breast Cancer Network Australia in 2014 following the death of Divinyls lead singer Chrissy Amphlett of the cancer at age 53.

Amphlett hoped the song would inspire women to perform yearly breast examinations.

Williams shows off ‘The Chrissy’ bra. Photo: Berlei

Breast Cancer Network Australia and Berlei, a women’s lingerie company, have also released a snakeskin-print bra named after Amphlett called The Chrissy, which features the words “I Touch Myself” printed on the inside.

It is not Serena Williams’ first music video. She has previously appeared in the video for Sorry from Beyonce’s album Lemonade.

What to look for :

• A new lump or swelling in the breast, underarm or armpit
• A thickening or swelling on or around your breast
• Irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in your nipple or breast area
• Nipple discharge without squeezing it
• Any change in the size or shape of your breasts
• Pain or unusual discomfort in any area of your breast.

Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia