Bashkiria residents with oncological diseases are invited to take part in photo session

The first photo session of the project "I had chemo, but we parted" in Ufa will take place in December. In order to participate, one needs to send their story to the website.

The project aims to promote the successful treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients using phototherapy as a method of psychological assistance. The campaign aims to destigmatize cancer, destroy false stereotypes and fears about people with cancer diagnoses, and make society more humane.

Photos of the women-participants will form the basis of the exhibition in Ufa in the spring of 2022 and will be posted on the project's website.

 "It is essential for me that as many women as possible take part in our project because the louder their voices sound, the sooner society will hear them. I warmly welcome the expansion of our geography and thank the new members of our large team from Ufa for their attention to the project and the enthusiasm with which they are helping to develop it," Olga Pavlova, photographer, and author of the project, said.

 In the republic, the project is being implemented with the support of the Territory of Happiness Charitable Foundation, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the White Rose Women's Health Center, public organizations, and women's communities.

 The Minister of Health of the Republic of Bashkortostan Maxim Zabelin noted that the project "I had chemo, but we parted" makes an essential contribution to people's socialization with oncology, improving their emotional and psychological state and helps to tune in to treatment.

 Currently, 1.5 million women in Russia are living with cancer. 80% of them need psychological help.

According to the WHO, every 6th woman in the world will sooner or later face a cancer diagnosis personally. It is crucial at this moment that someone is there to help them accept the diagnosis and set them up for treatment.

 Within the framework of the project, the «My phototherapy» website was launched, where women who have won cancer or are undergoing oncological treatment can share their stories.

Author: Rozalia Valeeva