I'm proud of my scars: Teenage cancer survivor in remission raises awareness of self-esteem issues

Gaby Maurice was 13 when a tumour grew in her jaw muscle and spread to her mouth, eventually leading to a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that mainly affects children. After nine chemotherapy cycles and several surgeries, she has been in remission for about two years and is speaking out to highlight how cancer and its treatment can affect a young person’s self-esteem and appearance.

She describes the physical changes that followed, including scars and an indent on her face from surgery. The changes left her anxious about how others would view her. I used to have long blonde hair and it was my comfort blanket. I was a real girly girl, so losing it was a big deal. It made me feel insecure. The scar was bigger than I expected, and the indent in my face reminded me of what I had been through, which was scary and a shock.

Over time, the teenager found ways to confront her appearance and emotions. She says she is still the same person she was before the diagnosis, and that she has grown in confidence. I’m still me. I’m the same person I was before my diagnosis and it has not changed who I am, she told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. I have learned to love my scars and my indent and I want to share my story so others going through the same thing can see a path through it. Hopefully they think, she got through it so I can.

Gaby has been backing a charity campaign to help people understand the toll cancer and its treatment can take on young people. Psychological distress caused by changes in appearance during cancer treatment is often overlooked, according to Teenage Cancer Trust. Dr Louise Soanes, chief nurse at the charity, said nurses and youth support teams provide crucial emotional support, but access to specialist psychological care can be a postcode lottery, leaving some patients without needed help.

Earlier this year the government relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce alongside the national cancer plan, with a stated aim to identify ways to improve outcomes and patient experience. Officials stressed that the unique needs of children, their families and carers would be carefully considered as reforms move forward.

For families affected by cancer, resources exist. BBC Action Line maintains a directory of organisations that can offer assistance, from psychological support to practical guidance, helping ensure young patients don’t face these challenges alone.

As Gaby continues her advocacy, health professionals emphasize the importance of integrating mental-health support into pediatric oncology care. The road to recovery for young cancer patients often includes not only fighting disease, but also navigating how treatment and its visible effects shape identity and self-worth. The ongoing investment in support networks and coordinated government action aims to reduce the emotional burden for families and empower survivors like Gaby to tell their stories and inspire others.