Artist Tracey Emin celebrated her 63rd birthday on Friday, sharing a candid Instagram post reflecting on her life and health following a battle with bladder cancer. Emin, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease during lockdown in 2020, stated her intention to "live as long as possible and work until the day I die."
In her post, Emin shared a photo taken in Rome, noting her age and size. She outlined her aim for the coming year to "get physically as well as possible."
Emin's cancer diagnosis led to significant surgical intervention in 2020. Medics removed her bladder, urethra, lymph nodes, and portions of her intestine and vagina to prevent the spread of the tumor. Following these operations, she was fitted with a stoma pouch, an external opening on her abdomen to divert urine.
The artist has been open about her experiences adapting to life after surgery, frequently sharing updates on social media. She has previously described her stoma, which she initially felt compelled to hide, as "live flesh. Fragile and delicate," and noted the significant physical changes, including "almost total muscle wastage in my core abdomen, stomach."
Emin has expressed that wearing the stoma bag is "quite depressing" but acknowledged it as a necessary part of her continued life. She has used her platform to raise awareness about less visible disabilities, encouraging openness about such conditions.
For her birthday, Emin requested that friends make donations to the Elton John AIDS Foundation instead of sending gifts or flowers.