Cosmetic Medicine Pioneer Catherine Stone Shares Breast Cancer Survivor Story

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Dr. Catherine Stone, a breast cancer survivor and cosmetic medicine expert, has published *The Beauty of Survival*, a book featuring her own story along with those of 11 other survivors to highlight the physical and emotional realities of breast cancer. The project seeks to raise awareness about the often unseen impacts of the disease and promote empowerment by sharing candid narratives and photographs that challenge traditional views of beauty and recovery.

Dr. Catherine Stone, a pioneer in cosmetic medicine and three-time breast cancer survivor, has released a new book chronicling her personal journey with the disease alongside the stories of 11 other survivors. The book, titled *The Beauty of Survival*, was unveiled last Friday at an event held at Wynyard Quarter.

Stone, who founded the prominent cosmetic clinic The Face Place, describes the project as a means to increase visibility for breast cancer survivors. She emphasizes that while treatments have saved many lives, they often leave women with lasting physical changes such as surgical scars, mastectomies, reconstructive procedures, weight fluctuations, and altered perceptions of their own bodies and sexuality, realities that remain largely hidden in society.

Diagnosed with breast cancer first in early 2020, Stone faced a recurrence in 2021, which led to her first mastectomy. A subsequent diagnosis in 2024 resulted in a second mastectomy, with plans for reconstruction later this month. In July 2023, Stone sold The Face Place to slow down her professional commitments amidst her health challenges, reflecting on the emotional weight of stepping away from a business she had built over 25 years.

Before undergoing her first mastectomy, Stone arranged a photo shoot to document her body pre-surgery. She described the experience as transformative, saying that being photographed openly and candidly changed her perspective. She later completed another photo shoot post-surgery, coming to terms with her altered appearance while maintaining a sense of strength and identity.

The impetus for the book emerged from Stone’s desire to portray the full spectrum of the survivor experience—not only visible scars but also the emotional and psychological impacts involving identity, sexuality, relationships, and moments of humor and discovery. To bring this vision to life, she collaborated with former journalist and publicist Tess Woolcock to capture the stories of the 12 women, paired with photography by Peter Morris and Maegan McDowell.

By sharing these candid narratives and images, *The Beauty of Survival* aims to foster greater understanding and empowerment for those affected by breast cancer, challenging prevailing notions of beauty and resilience.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.