It was November 2018 when the death of an acquaintance turned Vicky Saynor's life upside down. The mother of four had learned via Instagram that a young woman had died in her mid-20s – her breast cancer was discovered too late. It was this story that made Vicky click a link to a tactile exam guide. And that probably saved her life: Because then Vicky felt a knot in her chest. This was diagnosed as cancer a short time later.
Vicky has cancer – and wants to show it
Vicky underwent surgery a few days before Christmas. After the diagnosis, nothing was as before.
You don't just have cancer. Your entire consciousness, body and soul are taken over. Like your family.
From then on, she reported on Instagram about her illness. Vicky started the new year with a photo blog. Her goal: to give cancer a face. And a real one.
So far, Vicky has been missing that. Cancer has long been an issue in the media. Nevertheless, when she became affected, she did not feel that the truth was being conveyed to her. Less than six months after her own diagnosis, Vicky therefore decided to expand her blog. In April 2019 she founded the photo project "True Cancer Bodies".
72 hours and 38 true cancer bodies later
Vicky organized photographers, make-up artists and a total of 38 participants in just 72 hours. They represented ten types of cancer – each of them gave their very own face. "We want to build a community in which all victims of all types of cancer are better represented in the media," Vicky writes on the start of her project on Instagram.
In the meantime, the photographs show people between the ages of six and 79 – who suffer from 30 different types of cancer. It is not just a diagnosis. But also a fighting spirit. This is evident in the pictures that do not cover up a scar, do not retouch a series of surgeries and chemotherapy. The photos of the "True Cancer Bodies" are relentlessly honest. And they have to, to finally show society what the diagnosis really means:
Cancer is not fun, it is neither beautiful nor fluffy, it is brutal in every way … and if more people could see it, they might get more educated and checked out.
Talking about cancer, showing cancer can save lives
Vicky had to experience this firsthand. After chemotherapy and radiation, the initiator continues to fight. At gammy_tit she writes openly about her fears and days when she can't hold them back.
Above all, Vicky makes it clear how strong a woman is who shows her feelings. For a recent photo, she writes: "PS I hate this picture of me. Size, double chin, short hair … but I have to be nice to my poor body that is getting me through this year – and think 'fuck it'. I should have never shared a picture before cancer. "Thank you for doing it anyway, Vicky! And we think you look great as you are.
Prevention is important. Here, step by step, show you how to palpate your breast.
If you want to talk about cancer, you can do it in our community.