Get the Echo newsletter - it has never been more important to stay informed Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A woman who beat cancer hit back at men who made cruel comments about her appearance - by sharing a picture of her mastectomy scars.

Laura Owens, from Formby, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, when she was just 31.

She had her right breast removed and reconstructed in that year, before deciding to have the other breast removed and reconstructed in 2014.

However, Laura started to have a "severe" reaction to her implant after her second reconstruction, and claims her skin turned yellow, she had pain down her left arm and that she was getting really tired.

Because of this Laura, whose family is from Woolton, made the brave decision to remove both of her implants in April of this year.

Yesterday, the yoga teacher took to Facebook to post her response after two men she used to know made ignorant comments about the way she looks.

Laura said: "In the last week, I’ve had two male friends, who I haven’t seen in a long time, say to people in front of me: 'You should have seen Laura in her heyday, 10 years ago.' Rude.

(Image: Laura Owens)

"Or am I supposed to be grateful that guys used to think I was hot?! If I hadn’t been through everything I have, and was still the girl I was 10 years ago, it might crush me to hear that. But it doesn’t."

She hit back at comments that her "heyday" was 10 years ago, when in reality she has never felt more comfortable in her own skin, also saying she chose to publicly share her experience "for the women".

Laura, who formerly ran The Gallery in Formby, added: "It makes me laugh that some people think my heyday was when I wore a face full of make up, perfect hair, sexy outfits, padded bras. I.e. dressing for someone else’s approval.

Breast cancer symptoms According to the NHS, you should see your GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before

a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts

bloodstained discharge from either of your nipples

a lump or swelling in either of your armpits

dimpling on the skin of your breasts

a rash on or around your nipple

a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

"F*** that. I’m strong and capable, I stand up for what I believe in. I walk away from people or situations that make me uncomfortable. And I wear what makes me feel happy, not sexy.

"A lot of my 20’s were spent working in the world of high-end nightclubs where image, money and status were everything, and I’m proud that I‘m no longer part of that.

"I’m proud that I care more about what I think than what anyone else thinks."

(Image: Laura Owens)

Laura takes pride in the fact that she hasn't "succumbed to the pressures" of botox and fillers, despite that the complications of her implants rapidly aged her skin.

She added: "This is not me having a dig if you’ve had botox, I understand what it’s like to be so self-critical you won’t even leave the house, it’s just that after having my breasts amputated twice through illness, I’ve learned to appreciate my body exactly the way it is.

(Image: Laura Owens)

"I’m scarred, wrinkled and flat-chested, but I’m also feminine and full of life. I’m a strong f****** woman, not a sex object. I’m not here for your benefit.

"There’s a lot more to me than my looks. And if you can’t see that, then it’s your loss.

"This is MY heyday."

The post has already been inundated with comments of support, as well as hundreds of likes and shares.