Blogger with cervical cancer shares candid photos of hair loss on Instagram
‘Hair is hair no more no less and it does NOT define you’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 23-year-old blogger with stage two cervical cancer has revealed the true extent of her hair loss in a series of candid photographs.
Milly Smith was diagnosed one month ago but has been living with the disease for three years.
In a side-by-side image, she shows the drastic rate at which chemotherapy has caused her hair to thin and fall out.
While she maintains some hair, Smith revealed that she will ultimately lose all of it as a result of her intense treatment.
However, the optimistic blogger has not lost hope, explaining that she is at peace with her condition and its side effects.
“I realised that a year ago this would have devastated me beyond belief but right now I’m at peace with it and it’s due to self love and positivity,” she wrote in the post, which has now been liked more than 40,000 times.
“My hair isn’t what makes me beautiful,” she added, “it’s my kind and wonderful soul that shines out like sunbeams.”
Smith’s empowering post has been met with huge praise by her 186,000 followers, who expressed admiration of the blogger for her bravery and authenticity.
“You're beautiful even with your hair falling out because the amount of hair you have doesn’t define your right to feel pretty & your beautiful soul is outshining your material form. Keep going. Just shaved my head, feels like a blessing & a rebirth,” wrote one commenter.
“Well said babe!! Hope your feeling okay after your chemo. Your positivity shines so much your a wonderful beautiful woman!” added another.
Smith is most-loved by her followers for her honest comparison posts, in which she documents her battle against cervical cancer and depression with defiant optimism.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments