The Moment I Learned To Love My Body Again

Clare Asquith, 55 was diagnosed in 1999 and had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.

'While I kept a smile on my face, deep down, all I wanted to do was cry', Clare says. 'When I put on my bra for the first time after my reconstruction, I said to myself: 'You've done it. Clare.'

'While breast cancer had stripped me of my hair, my breasts and my energy, I was still here on the other side smiling - and I felt a fearlessness that I'd never known before.'

Marilyn Cohen, 69, was diagnosed in 2002, and had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

'I was juggling a job in marketing with working at a health club when I was diagnosed', Marilyn says. 'It was only when my treatment was over that I was really able to reflect on what I'd been through, and I knew I had to make a change. I decided to cut down my hours, which meant more time for my old friends.

'Since having breast cancer, I've found a real sense of calm within myself and I think that's come through realising what's important in life.'

Joanna Bolton Wiggins, 56, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2008.

'I'd always intended to have a reconstruction after my mastectomy, but, surprisingly, I didn't feel that unhappy with the way my body was afterwards', Joanna says.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit breastcancercare.org.uk

Natalie Ellia, 43, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2008, and had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She had another mastectomy and reconstruction after a second primary was diagnosed in August 2011.

'I thought [my new partner] would be sick when I showed him the scars but he simply told me I was beautiful', Natalie says. 'I'll always remember that as the moment I regained my body confidence.'

Patsy Bell, 55, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 42, and has been clear for 13 years.

'I want the BCA campaign to reach as many women as possible with the wake-up call that having breast cancer gave me', Patsy says. 'Now I check my breasts regularly, and keep my fitness up by walking, cycling and going to weekly aerobics...I've never felt healthier.'

Susan, 60, was diagnosed in January 2011, and had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy.

'[My husband] tried to discourage me from having reconstructive surgery because he didn't want the risk of more surgery', Susan says. 'But I needed it for my own psychological wellbeing...I finally saw someone who resembled me!'

Nadiya, 39, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and had chemotherapy and a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.

'I didn't wear a wig or a scarf to go out and meet friends in bars and really public places', Nadiya says. 'I wanted to say, 'This is me!' Complete strangers would come up to me and tell me I looked amazing - I'd never experienced that before.'

Heather, 39, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007, and had a single mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

'My husband would always tell me I was the strongest person I knew', Heather says. 'In 2010, he was admitted to hospital with an infection, and died shortly afterwards.

'Breast Cancer Care asked me if I'd take part in their body confidence campaign, and said it would mean posing topless...Posing in front of the camera made me feel completely empowered! I wish my husband had been there to see it.'

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