A woman who posted candid images of her post-cancer surgery body online was horrified when more than 100 people “unfriended” her because they deemed the pictures “offensive”.
Beth Whaanga was diagnosed with cancer on her 32nd birthday last year and underwent a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy.
Her various surgeries have left her body scarred but she was determined not to be ashamed so asked her friend Nadia Masot, a photographer, to capture her new figure in a series of portraits.
Beth was thrilled with the images and shared them on Facebook but was horrified when more than 100 people immediately “unfriended” her, saying the pictures were obscene and disgusting.
“These pictures are in no way pornographic,” Beth’s sister Emma Rayner said. “They represent the truth about cancer and what measures some women will need to take to survive.
“I think it’s brave that she can show her scars and I think many more women will hopefully check their own bodies every now and then.”
Beth says she is proud of her body because it has beat cancer. Warning: confronting images featured.
Beth Whaanga enlisted photographer friend Nadia Masot to shoot the images as part of their Under the Red Dress campaign.
Beth wanted to encourage other women to get regular breast checks.
She was horrified when more than 100 “gutless” people unfriended her on Facebook because they were disgusted by the images.
Model Claire made headlines last month when she posed for a series of brave portraits showing off her own post-surgery body.
Claire had both breasts removed in February 2010 and had reconstruction surgery two months later. She chose not to have the extra surgery to rebuild her nipples. Photography by Byron Atienza.
“I feel so positive today. If I’d waited a year to get the mastectomy, I’d probably be dead. Photography by Byron Atienza.
Claire wanted to show she is proud of her new body. Photography by Byron Atienza.
Claire in her modelling heyday.
Claire and her husband Gus have two young daughters.
Claire was one of Britain’s most successful models in the 1980s.
