Inspiring Quotes For World Cancer Day

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  • 1/10
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  • 2/10
    Clover, 43, was diagnosed in 2010. She had a single mastectomy. "After my reconstruction didn't go to plan, my body was disfigured, and that's all I imagined anyone else would see. I booked a holiday to Bali, determined not to let my insecurities stop me. I searched shops for something I felt I could actually be on the beach in, but it left me in tears. So I made my own bikini. It felt like me again."
    2/10 Clover, 43, was diagnosed in 2010. She had a single mastectomy. "After my reconstruction didn't go to plan, my body was disfigured, and that's all I imagined anyone else would see. I booked a holiday to Bali, determined not to let my insecurities stop me. I searched shops for something I felt I could actually be on the beach in, but it left me in tears. So I made my own bikini. It felt like me again."
  • 3/10
    Clare, 55 was diagnosed in 1999 and had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. "I kept a smile on my face, but deep down, I wanted to cry. When I put on my bra for the first time after my reconstruction, I said to myself: 'You've done it. Clare.' While cancer stripped me of my hair, my breasts and my energy, I was still here on the other side smiling. I felt a fearlessness I'd never known before."
    3/10 Clare, 55 was diagnosed in 1999 and had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. "I kept a smile on my face, but deep down, I wanted to cry. When I put on my bra for the first time after my reconstruction, I said to myself: 'You've done it. Clare.' While cancer stripped me of my hair, my breasts and my energy, I was still here on the other side smiling. I felt a fearlessness I'd never known before."
  • 4/10
    Marilyn, 69, was diagnosed in 2002, and had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. "It was only when my treatment was over that I was really able to reflect on what I'd been through. I knew I had to make a change. I cut down my work hours, which meant more time for my old friends. Since having cancer, I've found a real sense of calm within myself, through realising what's important in life."
    4/10 Marilyn, 69, was diagnosed in 2002, and had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. "It was only when my treatment was over that I was really able to reflect on what I'd been through. I knew I had to make a change. I cut down my work hours, which meant more time for my old friends. Since having cancer, I've found a real sense of calm within myself, through realising what's important in life."
  • 5/10
    Joanna, 56, was diagnosed 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."
    5/10 Joanna, 56, was diagnosed 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."
  • 6/10
    Natalie, 43, was diagnosed in April 2008, and had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She had another mastectomy and reconstruction after a second primary in August 2011. "I thought my partner would be sick when I showed him my scars but he told me I was beautiful. I'll always remember that as the moment I regained my body confidence."
    6/10 Natalie, 43, was diagnosed in April 2008, and had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She had another mastectomy and reconstruction after a second primary in August 2011. "I thought my partner would be sick when I showed him my scars but he told me I was beautiful. I'll always remember that as the moment I regained my body confidence."
  • 7/10
    Patsy, 55, was diagnosed 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. Now I check my breasts regularly, and keep my fitness up by walking, cycling and going to weekly aerobics...I've never felt healthier."
    7/10 Patsy, 55, was diagnosed 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. Now I check my breasts regularly, and keep my fitness up by walking, cycling and going to weekly aerobics...I've never felt healthier."
  • 8/10
    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. But I needed it for my own psychological wellbeing... I finally saw someone who resembled me!"
    8/10 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. But I needed it for my own psychological wellbeing... I finally saw someone who resembled me!"
  • 9/10
    Nadiya, 39, was diagnosed 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. 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."
    9/10 Nadiya, 39, was diagnosed 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. 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."
  • 10/10
    Heather, 39, was diagnosed in October 2007, and had a single mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. "My husband would always tell me I was the strongest person I knew. 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!"
    10/10 Heather, 39, was diagnosed in October 2007, and had a single mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. "My husband would always tell me I was the strongest person I knew. 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!"

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Yesterday was World Cancer Day (Feb 4). Cancer affects everyone – the young and old, the rich and poor, men, women and children.

In an effort to inspire hope for those fighting against cancer, these nine breast cancer survivors reveal how their diagnosis helped them learn to love their bodies again.