There are symptoms people should watch for, and advice on getting checked
Actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner has said she had to have surgery because she was diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer. The EastEnders and Holby City actress, 54, revealed that she underwent the procedure two weeks ago and she has since had the all clear from her doctors.
She said she still needs to undergo radiotherapy, however, reassured her 372,000 followers on Instagram that she is feeling better.
Faulkner, wife of TV chef John Torode, said: “I’ve had to have surgery because I’ve had the very early stages of breast cancer. I had surgery two weeks ago, and it was quite a big op, but it’s all good, and I’ve had my results back, and they’ve got everything out, and so it’s all clear, and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks.
“I’ve still got quite a bit of healing to do, but I’m good, I’m well, and feeling so much better.”
She urged others to go for check-ups adding that if she did not go for her breast screening, the cancer would not have been picked up. “I am so grateful that I went for my mammogram,” she said. “Don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up.”
Faulkner ended her video by thanking the “wonderful NHS” for the scan and early treatment. The actress has four children and married the former MasterChef presenter in 2019.
An oncologist says there are a number of red flag signs and symptoms of breast cancer that ‘aren’t a lump’. Research published in The Lancet Oncology says global breast cancer cases are expected to reach over 3.5 million by 2050.
In the UK alone, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every ten minutes, according to research and support charity Breast Cancer Now.
Getting diagnosed early is the biggest factor for successful treatment. While checking for lumps or swelling in the breast is largely understood as a key symptom of breast cancer, there are lesser-known symptoms that people should know, according to Dr Jiri Kubes, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director at the Proton Therapy Center.
He said: “While most women know to check the breast for lumps or swelling, some abnormalities are not noticeable by sight. This means those who do not regularly check their breasts might not notice anything unusual. It’s important to be aware of other symptoms that could indicate breast cancer so you’re able to speak to a medical provider early.”
With more than half of UK women not checking their breasts regularly, according to Breast Cancer Now, visual changes are likely to be what is spotted first. Dr Kubes said: “A change in colour or the appearance of a rash or crusting around the nipple are both considered symptoms of breast cancer.
“Colour change may make the breast seem darker, red or inflamed, which may be harder to spot on darker skin, while a rash may look similar to eczema. The shape and size of your breast or nipple changing can be another indicator of breast cancer.
Breast cancer symptoms
“For example, if your nipple becomes inverted, which means it looks as though it’s turning inward, or if the size or shape of one or both breasts changes, it’s best to see a GP to discuss this.”
When having an appointment with your GP, they may ask to see you again or refer you to a breast clinic for further assessment. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a range of treatment options available, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy.
Dr Kubes said: “Medical professionals will work with you to decide what treatment is best for you. Proton radiotherapy can be particularly beneficial for patients where the tumour is located in the left breast, due to its proximity to the heart, as well as for patients with a history of heart disease.
“This is because proton radiotherapy for breast cancer significantly reduces the risk of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD).”
Dr Kubes added: “For breast cancer, the importance lies in regularly checking your breasts so if treatment is needed it can begin as soon as possible, as well as working with doctors and medical professionals to select the right treatment plan for you.”