A young cancer survivor is empowering others with a photoshoot to give an honest and unfiltered look at the disease.
Tasha Jilka, 27, is taking part in Defiance, photo project for the a Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
She and the 15 others involved have battled cancer and been left with scars from the disease and changes to their bodies.
But Tasha, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2010, told Leicestershire Live she sees her face as "a symbol of strength".
"I’ve had to build a thick skin over the past nine years and now I use my face as a symbol of strength, something that shows everything I’ve been through," the administrator said.
"My cancer has completely changed my face, so it’s not something I can hide away from."
Neuroblastoma, which forms in nerve tissue, typically affects the face and nose.
Tasha, from Hamilton, Leicester, wants to highlight the raw reality of this.
She added: "I’m standing up to cancer by embracing my new normal every day, which is why I was so pleased to be a part of the Defiance series.
"I was diagnosed with cancer just before my 18th birthday and this massively impacted my confidence."
The pictures, shot by photographer Ami Barwell, have been released as part of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Money raised through the campaign will speed up advances in life-saving cancer research.
Doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities join the campaign each year for the cause.
And for those who want to take on cancer in style, there’s also a range of Stand Up To Cancer clothing and accessories available online.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Leicestershire, said: "Tasha’s portrait is so powerful and really moves you to challenge what it means to have been treated for cancer. Her defiance truly encapsulates what Stand Up To Cancer is all about.
"We’ve made amazing progress against the disease over the past few decades but one in two people will be diagnosed in their lifetime. That’s why our scientists are carrying out pioneering research every day, taking developments in the lab and working to accelerate them into brand new treatments.
"We hope that by seeing Tasha’s picture, people across Leicestershire will be inspired to get involved in any way they can."
