Teen cancer survivor left distressed over yearbook photoshop

A teenage cancer survivor in the US was "incredibly upset" to learn her chemotherapy port scar was photoshopped from her chest for her yearbook photo.

Allison Hale, 16, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2020 and endured five rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation therapy.

While undergoing chemo, Allison lost her hair and was left with a small scar on her chest from the insertion of a port-a-catheter during treatment.

The teen told People she was cancer free by July and returned to school shortly after, just in time for yearbook photos in August.

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However, when an excited Allison received the images, she was shocked to find the port scar on her chest had been erased completely.

"Does a scar make you uncomfortable? Does physical proof of enduring pain, trauma and healing make you uncomfortable?" the Indiana student wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

"Because apparently it makes so many people uncomfortable, it needed to be edited out of my school picture!"

Allison explained she was "incredibly disrespected and disgusted" to find her image had been photoshopped without her consent – especially after she wore an outfit to proudly show off her scar.

"I wore a sweater to specifically show off my port scar. I love showing it off, I'm not ashamed of it," Allison continued.

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"We all know, I've gone through Hell and back this last year, and I want to show off my proof of life and winning. I don't want it covered up. I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed by it."

The proud cancer survivor went on to explain she had been in touch with the photographers – who apologised and agreed to fix it - and was waiting on the unedited version of the image.

"I look forward to seeing the raw, beautiful young lady I know I am who needs no touch up," Allison wrote.

"I hope all the cancer community never feels like they need to cover their scars, as I know it's a large insecurity people have. But it's beautiful."