Breast Cancer Survivor Defies Shame After Pool Ban
Outpouring of support for woman embracing scars.
**Jacky Roozen** is garnering widespread support after sharing her story of facing discrimination for swimming topless post-double mastectomy; her courage inspires conversations about body acceptance after breast cancer.
Swimming Pool Controversy
**Jacky Roozen**, 64, from Zoutkamp, has become a focal point of attention after RTV Noord highlighted her experience. Following a preventative double mastectomy in 2022, **Roozen** was advised to swim for rehabilitation, but was asked to cover up in two different swimming pools because other patrons complained about her scars.
In response, **Roozen** questioned the complaint: “How can you complain? If you miss a leg, how can I say: I don’t want to see that?”
Public Response
Individuals have expressed strong support for **Roozen**. One person wrote, We should protect and respect people like this woman much better!
while another typed, How nice that you did not let yourself be intimidated and that you have shared your story with us.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 91% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis, highlighting the importance of post-treatment support and acceptance.
Discrimination Ruling
About the widespread attention, **Jacky** stated, I don’t know what happens to me.
She feels the response validates her claim of discriminatory treatment. The Human Rights Commission previously ruled that the swimming pools discriminated against **Roozen** due to her amputation.
**Roozen** explained, But I do not share this story for myself, but for all breastless women and the women who are still breastless. I am happy that the conversation about breast amputations will start in this way.
Facing Negativity
Some reactions to **Jacky’s** story have been negative. Some people write ‘bah, somewhat filthy’. They respond that I am a attention -grabbed, or that I can just put on a shirt,
she reported. My mouth falls open of that kind of reaction. I operated on in 2022, as if I myself have not thought that that is possible. But they don’t feel my body? How can they judge it?
She emotionally recounted asking a doctor, what did I do that this happens to me?
The doctor replied that I just have a big fat bad luck. Everyone can wake up with breast cancer. Others just don’t want to be confronted with it, while you just see what there is.
Final Message
**Jacky’s** core message to other women facing amputation is: Don’t be ashamed. There is nothing to be ashamed of, because why would you be ashamed of an operation that is life -saving and healing?
Earlier, she shared her story with De Telegraaf. That newspaper is also on campsites abroad, for example, the story has been picked up even more widely. I am happy that the greatest comes to the attention.
