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Presenter Davina McCall has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergione surgerym, a year after battling a brain tumour. Davina found a lump and saw her doctor, who referred her for a biopsy.
The star: "I have had breast cancer. I found a lump a few weeks ago. It came and went but then I was working on The Masked Singer and Lorraine, the TV show, and Lorraine Kelly had put signs on the backs of all the doors saying 'check your breasts' and every time I went for a wee I did that.
"It was still there, and then one morning I saw myself in the mirror and thought 'I'm going to get that looked at'. I had a biopsy. I found out it was indeed breast cancer and I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago."
She added: "It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early which is incredibly lucky. But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn't spread. My lymph nodes were clear, I didn't have any removed, and all I'm going to do now is have five days of radiotherapy in January as kind of an insurance policy."
Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Medical Director atAXA Health insurance, has outlined the six early symptoms of breast cancer that everyone needs to be aware of, as well as how to correctly perform a self-examination.
Dr Bradshaw said: "Self-examination is one of the best ways to detect any changes in your breasts and chest which could signify cancer. Regular self-examination not only helps you learn what looks and feels normal to you, but also makes it easier to spot any changes in your breasts or chest, which could be a sign of cancer. It is recommended for both men and women in the UK to check their breasts and chests monthly."
Five steps to doing a self-examination for breast cancer
Examine your breasts in the shower to feel for changes or lumps
Looking in a mirror, inspect your chest and breasts with your arms down, up, and on your hips to spot any changes in appearance
Stand and press your fingers on your breasts, working around the breast in a circular direction
Lie down and press your fingers on your breasts, working around the breast in a circular direction
Squeeze your nipples to check for discharge, and check under the nipple last
Dr Bradshaw said: "Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, affecting one in seven women in the UK. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be crucial in early detection, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
"Cancer doesn't always start with a lump - other subtle changes to your breasts and chest could be a warning sign. That's why it's essential to be aware of certain changes in your body that could be an early sign of cancer. In most cases, it will likely be nothing of concern, but it's always advisable to get any changes to your breasts checked by a medical professional."
Six signs of breast cancer to never ignore
Change in the size or shape of one or both of your breasts
Discharge from either of your nipples (which may be bloody)
A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
A rash on or around your nipple
Change in the appearance of your nipple
Dr Bradshaw said: "If you are worried about breast cancer, have a family history of breast cancer, or spot any changes in your breasts or chest, always consult your GP or healthcare provider."