MasterChef star Lisa Faulkner has revealed that she underwent a "big operation" after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The presenter is now set to undergo radiotherapy after finding out she had the disease after a mammogram.
The former Brookside and Holby City actor said that she was "grateful" to have undergone the routine screening.
Sharing a video on Instagram, Faulkner said: "I know I’ve been very quiet on here, reason being I have had to have surgery for the early stages of breast cancer.
The Spooks star continued: "I had surgery two weeks ago, it was quite a big op, but it’s all good, and I’ve got my results back, and they’ve got everything out.
"So it’s all clear, and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks.
"I just wanted to say I’ve got a bit of healing to do, but I’m good. I’m well and feeling so much better, and I’m so grateful I went for my mammogram."
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Faulkner went on to explain why she had chosen to share her story publicly, urging viewers to get their routine mammograms.
"I just wanted to say don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up," she said.
"Thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact we can have these mammograms and we can get treatment early."
Many commented their support, including the official Prevent Breast Cancer Instagram page, which wrote: "We’re so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and we’re sending you so much love and strength.
"Thank you for speaking so openly about your experience, and for highlighting just how important it is to attend routine mammograms.
"Your story is a powerful reminder that screening saves lives, and we’re so grateful for the awareness you’re raising at such a difficult time. 💗"
According to the NHS, key symptoms of breast cancer include new lumps or thickened tissue in the breast or armpit, visible changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or a newly inverted nipple.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
