Breast Cancer Survivors Bare Their Scars

Nearly 9 in every 10 women (88%) who have undergone treatment for breast cancer say they have lost their self-esteem and confidence in their bodies as a result. Since breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, we want - and need - to change that.·Every year, around 60,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes. 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.· And don't forget, men get breast cancer too - every year around 340 men are diagnosed in the UK.

These breast cancer survivors, who have learned to come to terms with - and even embrace - their surgical scars prove that every scar tells a story - and that every scar can be beautiful... read more about some of their inspiring stories below...

Cheryl, aged 54, says, "As I only had very small breasts I have come to terms with the mastectomy scar and it doesn't really bother me," whilst 51-year-old Deby, who has beaten breast cancer five times, says, "My scars and lack of breasts do not bother me in the slightest. I'm alive and that is what matters most."

31-year-old Hannah admitted that, "The day before my surgery, I found myself googling the words "sexy breast scar", because I needed to believe it could exist!". But now, she enthuses, "I feel really happy in my skin, scars and all!"

An increasing number of women are choosing to reclaim their bodies and take ownership of their scars by turning them into body art. Nicola, aged 37, tells us, "I had a lovely quote tattooed over some of my mastectomy scars at my right side. Although my scars are very neat and the surgeon was excellent, I wanted to show that all scars tell a story." And, heartwarmingly, Kerry, 43, from Shropshire says, "My tattoo has elevated my self-esteem more than I could ever have predicted. Now, when I look down, I see a beautiful piece of art rather than a scar."

For care, support and information call Breast Cancer Care free on 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk.

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