World Cancer Day: Survivor creates exhibition to empower others

A cancer survivor from Essex said she put together the exhibition to empower others

"Personal" and "truthful" photographs of people living with cancer have been put on display in a new exhibition to mark World Cancer Day.

The Raw Face of Cancer has been curated by Mia Davies, a professional photographer and cancer survivor.

The exhibition is being shown at the IronWorks community hub in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

The photographs on display focus on how the experience of cancer has impacted those living with the illness.

Ms Davies took photos of 21 patients who have received cancer treatment at hospitals in Southend and Basildon.

The mum-of-two from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, said she wanted to show how "empowered" the patients were.

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Ms Davies was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer in January 2022, which resulted in her undergoing a double mastectomy.

Now cancer free, she has still been undergoing preventative treatment.

'Photography became my solace'

Ms Davies said: "When I was confronted with my own battle against breast cancer, photography became my solace, a compelling outlet that aided me through the emotional ebbs and flows, like it always does.

"People are scared to talk openly about cancer, these very personal, truthful, honest and realistic portraits and the stories that go with them help create a different way of addressing the impact of cancer - and raises awareness about the need to be aware of the early signs and get checked as soon as possible.

The exhibition features photos of 21 people living with cancer

"My granddad died of breast cancer 15 years ago, so I know how very important that is and if this eye-opening exhibition means one person gets checked sooner than it has been a success," she added.

'You are still beautiful'

Ms Davies said the women and men who have been featured as part of her photography project have all had different experiences with cancer.

Ms Davies had her own portraits featured in the show and said: "I have scars in all different places and [I am now] able to look at my scars and to be able to feel proud.

"I started [the exhibition] to empower women and for them to see that they are still the same person and everything they have been through, you are still beautiful."

The exhibition will run between 3-24 February.