How 'weird feeling' led healthy Aussie model to say goodbye to her friends
Model Tirah Ciampa started to 'prepare for the worst' after receiving an alarming diagnosis that she initially put down to menstrual cramps.
A young Aussie woman, and Miss World Australia finalist, is urging people to "listen to [their] bodies" after finding out she had a 15cm cancerous tumour growing in her body while initially dismissing the discomfort.
When first experiencing pain in her abdomen and back Tirah Ciampa, 27, first put down "the weird feeling" to menstrual cramps.
However in February, the Tasmanian woman who says she leads a "healthy lifestyle" was faced with the shocking realisation the pain was actually due to pancreatic cancer. So she started "preparing for the worst".
"I wrote my goodbye letters and stayed strong throughout the whole process for the people closest to me," she said in an Instagram post that has since garnered widespread attention.
'Listen to your body'
After undergoing a seven-hour surgery at Royal Hobart Hospital to get rid of the tumour in March, Ms Ciampa is now cancer-free, saying she "would have died" if the tumour was not addressed "for another year or two".
In Australia the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is low at just 12.2 per cent. And only about 15 to 20 per cent of those who are diagnosed are able to have surgery to remove it, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation reports.
Ms Ciampa now has a scar from the surgery running down her stomach and won't be able to drink alcohol or play sports, The Mercury reports. Although she is grateful to be alive and is encouraging everyone to get regular GP check-ups and to look out for any changes to their health.
"Listen to your body! Especially women who put every weird feeling down to their menstrual cycle or hormones," she implored on social media.
"My heart goes out to anyone suffering, and if my story can help anyone appreciate their life a little bit more or help someone who may be going through a similar situation then at least I’m making a difference in someone’s life."
Third biggest cancer killer in Australia
More than 80 per cent of pancreatic cancer suffers are over 60, with the first symptom often being jaundice — the yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes — according to Cancer Council NSW.
Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, pain in the abdomen and back, fatigue and changed bowel movements.
If you experience any of these symptoms, its recommended to speak to your GP.
Hobart model to compete in Miss World Australia
After undergoing a final surgery on Monday, Ms Ciampa will compete in the Miss World Australia finals in just a couple of weeks.
"I am currently resting after my surgery and looking forward to the fun weeks ahead," she said in a recent Instagram post. "Embracing every chapter, from health battles to Miss World Australia finals."
As part of the competition, she is also raising funds for a local charity called Variety Children’s Charity, which has reached just over $3000 of the $5000 goal.
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