'I have a long journey ahead': Model reveals ovarian cancer diagnosis

Italian model Bianca Balti has opened up to her 1.5 million Instagram followers with a major health update.

The Sports Illustrated model revealed she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

"Last Sunday, I checked myself into the ER to find out that my lower abdominal pain was stage 3C ovarian cancer," she wrote on Instagram.

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"It's been a week full of fear, pain and tears but mostly love, hope, laughter, and strength.(check these pics out for proof, lol)."

Balti accompanied the health update with carousel of photos and videos from her recent hospital stay. 

The photos see the Italian model smiling and laughing with friends, family and medical staff in her hospital ward.

In the first, Balti grins while laying down in a hospital bed with a bouquet of flowers on her bedside table.

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In one of the videos, she gives her followers an update after a surgery.

"I am doing so much better and I am blessed that I found out," she said, explaining she had just undergone surgery and was due to undergo chemotherapy.

"I am doing so well, I swear to you I am," she added.

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Despite the devastating diagnosis, Balti has "loads" of strength and is determined to "beat" it.

"I have a long journey ahead, but I know I will beat this. For myself, my loved ones (my daughters are at the top of the list), and all of you who need strength, you can borrow some of mine cause I have loads," she continued in her caption.

She is also determined to continue to celebrate the beauty in life - even in the hardest times.

"Life happens; give it a reason. So far, cancer has given me a chance to find beauty through life's hurdles.

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Hundreds of thousands reacted to the model's news with friends, family and fans taking to the comment section to share their love and support.

"Oh B sending you so much love and strength," wrote American model and TV personality Gigi Hadid.

"You are so strong and amazing, sending love and strength during this time," American model Taylor Hill wrote.

English actress and activist Jameela Jamil also shared her support in the comment section simply sharing eight love hear emojis.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest reproductive cancer and yet there is still no early detection test for the disease.

In Australia, approximately 1000 lives are lost annually to the gynaecological cancer. Organisations like Australia's Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) are committed to pushing towards a "future free from the threat of ovarian cancer".

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Title: 'I have a long journey ahead': Model reveals ovarian cancer diagnosis
Sourced From: celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/bianca-balti-ovarian-cancer-diagnosis/f63fd9dc-689a-42ee-a4bc-9db786101975
Published Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2024 03:09:00 GMT