More than 18,000 women have a mastectomy every year in England alone.

Undergoing a mastectomy is a painful experience, both physically and emotionally - and many women compare losing a breast to having their femininity stripped away.

And, with such a taboo around post-mastectomy bodies, it’s no wonder that, for many, the post-operative time is often one of shame, sorrow, and battered self-confidence.

Which is why we were SO happy to see that Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin is working so hard to normalise mastectomies.

The pixie-haired television star shared a photo of herself on her holidays, dressed in a loose-fitting bikini and beaming at the camera.

She wrote happily: “Look at me getting on the Champers @DreamHKT Beach Club!

“See, us mastectomy girls can still do bikinis!”

The 55-year-old’s fiancé Mark Cassidy also shared a fun snap on his Twitter, writing: “Having a rather nice time @DreamHKT Beach Club with @mcgiff #Phuket”

Judging by the smiles on their faces, this loved-up couple are having an amazing time in Thailand.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2014 after discovering a lump while she was on holiday.

She was force to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but said that she never saw it as a battle.

"It can become a fight if you think you might lose it,” she said.

“But for me, it was always just about getting better.

"The chemo was an insurance policy. By the time you get to the sixth round, you feel shocking."

We love that Carol is just as loud and proud of her body as ever!