An oncologist has outlined breast cancer symptoms that go beyond a lump, following actress Lisa Faulkner's revelation that she underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer. The 54-year-old EastEnders and Holby City star shared on Instagram that she had a major operation two weeks ago and has since been given the all clear, though she still requires radiotherapy.
Lisa Faulkner's Diagnosis and Call for Screening
Faulkner, who is married to TV chef John Torode, urged her 372,000 followers not to skip mammograms. "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." She thanked the NHS for the scan and early treatment. According to Breast Cancer Now, one woman in the UK is diagnosed with breast cancer every ten minutes.
Lesser-Known Symptoms Beyond a Lump
Dr Jiri Kubes, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director at the Proton Therapy Center, emphasized that visual changes can be key indicators. "While most women know to check the breast for lumps or swelling, some abnormalities are not noticeable by sight," he said. He noted that more than half of UK women do not check their breasts regularly, according to Breast Cancer Now.
Dr Kubes listed symptoms including a change in colour, rash or crusting around the nipple, and changes in breast or nipple shape. "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," he explained. An inverted nipple or a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts should prompt a GP visit.
Treatment Options and Early Detection
For those diagnosed, treatment options include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy. Dr Kubes highlighted proton radiotherapy for left-breast tumours due to its reduced risk of radiation-induced heart disease. "For breast cancer, the importance lies in regularly checking your breasts so if treatment is needed it can begin as soon as possible," he added.
Research in The Lancet Oncology projects global breast cancer cases will exceed 3.5 million by 2050. Early diagnosis remains the biggest factor for successful treatment.
