Italian model Bianca Balti has taken to her Instagram account to reveal that she has been diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer.
According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, this is a type of ovarian cancer where "cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes, or is primary peritoneal cancer, and it has visibly spread to organs outside the pelvic region with deposits larger than 2cm." There is also the possibility that the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or to the surface of the liver or spleen.
The 40-year-old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model shared the news on Sunday, September 15, which included various pictures and videos from a recent hospital visit.
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Balti for comment on Monday.
"Last Sunday, I checked myself into the ER to find out that my lower abdominal pain was stage 3C ovarian cancer," Balti wrote.
She continued: "It's been a week full of fear, pain and tears but mostly love, hope, laughter, and strength. (check these pics out for proof, lol)
"I have a long journey ahead, but I know I will beat this. For myself, my loved ones (my daughters are at the top of the list), and all of you who need strength, you can borrow some of mine cause I have loads.
"Life happens; give it a reason. So far, cancer has given me a chance to find beauty through life's hurdles."
In the carousel post Balti shared, there are various photos and videos of her in a hospital bed while friends and family visit.
People, including her celebrity friends, took to the comments to share their support for the model.
"You've got this my love !! You're a warrior ❤️❤️," model Shanina Shaik wrote.
"Oh B❤️🫂 sending you so much love and strength x," commented Gigi Hadid.
Influencer Anda Gentile added: "Can't wait to go on walks with you 💪♥️."
After genetic testing revealed Balti is a carrier for the BRCA1 gene—a gene that raises your breast cancer risk—she underwent a preventive bilateral mastectomy in December 2022.
She opened up about the operation in a March 2024 interview with Vogue.
"I wasn't sick, yet—but I knew the chances were much higher that I would be one day. And I now had the free will to do something about it," she said.
"The hardest part of this entire process has been the fear. Of finding out the diagnosis, the unknown, of taking time off work, of not knowing how my body will look.
"Obviously, how we look should be the last of our concerns. Life should be our concern, but many women do care. My relationship didn't change with my body throughout the process, which I think was actually a big win. I feel the same, comfortable. Except for that I have this knowledge, which is powerful."
Balti explained that every time she has spoken publicly about her experience, someone has contacted her to let her know they've had a mammogram or tested their genes.
She added: "So I know it actually makes a difference when you talk about it."
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