Beverley Callard Provides Health Update Ahead of Major Breast Cancer Surgery
Beverley Callard, the beloved Coronation Street actress, has shared a heartfelt health update on Instagram this Wednesday, as she prepares for a significant operation in her battle against breast cancer. The 68-year-old star, best known for her iconic role as Liz McDonald, revealed her diagnosis earlier this month after relocating to Dublin for a part on the Irish soap opera Fair City.
Details of the Upcoming Surgery
In her latest social media post, Beverley disclosed that she is scheduled for surgery on Friday at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. She expressed gratitude, stating she is 'counting her lucky stars' ahead of the procedure, which involves the removal of two lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are often excised in breast cancer cases because cancer cells that spread beyond the breast can become trapped in the underarm area.
Beverley reassured her fans that the cancer was detected early, but she will need to return to the UK for radiotherapy and surgery. She wrote: 'Another update to let you all know what is going on. I went to the hospital this morning and they wanted to talk to me about the lymph nodes and lymph glands... They are pretty sure that it is not in the lymph nodes, but they are going to take two out on Friday when I have the operation to make sure.'
Praise for NHS and Support from Others
The actress praised the NHS staff at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, describing them as 'truly amazing' for their thorough care and time spent with patients. She also highlighted the strength she draws from connecting with other women facing similar challenges, noting: 'The world is full of really strong women, that is for sure.'
Beverley added that the waiting period has been difficult, leading her to keep busy by cleaning her house, but she remains strong and positive ahead of the operation. She encouraged others going through similar experiences to share their stories, emphasizing how much they mean to her.
Background on Beverley's Recent Activities
Prior to her diagnosis, Beverley had taken on a new role in Fair City, playing Lily, the long-lost mother of character Gwen. Promotional images show her in character, wearing a black leather jacket and posing next to a 'Welcome to Carrigstown' sign. Last month, she also addressed speculation about her weight loss, clarifying that it resulted from hard work and fitness, not weight-loss jabs, while expressing support for others' choices.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, affecting over two million women annually. In the UK, there are more than 55,000 new cases each year, with 11,500 fatalities. Key aspects include:
- Symptoms: Often starts with a painless lump in the breast, though most lumps are benign cysts.
- Diagnosis: Involves assessments like mammograms and biopsies to confirm cancer and check for spread.
- Treatment: Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone treatments, often used in combination.
- Outlook: Early detection through routine screenings like mammography significantly improves survival rates.
For more information, visit breastcancernow.org or call the free helpline at 0808 800 6000.
