ITV This Morning star Deirdre Sanders has opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis and shared her early symptoms of the disease.
The agony aunt is set to have surgery this weekend, after doctors found a "high-grade" carcinoma in her right breast.
The 77-year-old presenter was very open about her diagnosis, sharing her experience with viewers on This Morning and encouraging other women to go to their doctor for breast cancer checks.
The Mirror reports she was told the devastating news back in June 2022. Deidre spoke of her early warning sign and said: "I was just achy so I had a check with my GP who saw me that day and told me there may be something.
"I was put on a two-week cancer pathway and was then referred for a mammogram."
This is where the doctors discovered calcification in her breast, which is "tiny microscopic flecks of calcium".
She continued: "And that’s when I went for my biopsy where I was told I had high-grade ductal carcinoma."
The TV star claimed that she "felt lucky as I caught it early".
Also appearing on the programme to warn others about breast cancer warning signs was Dr Nighat Ari, who said: "When it comes to checking for breast cancer, self-examinations are key.
"This should be done once every two weeks looking for changes in the mirror, including nipple changes, skin thickening, or lumps in the breast or armpit."
Lesser-known breast cancer symptoms
The doctor went into further detail about some of the less common symptoms of breast cancer that many women may not even think about.
Some of these included back ache and jaw pain, and she was quick to reassure viewers that being diagnosed with the illness doesn't have to be scary as then it leads to treatment.
"I am happy to bring it out in the open", she said.
Another warning sign is that if other people in your family have been diagnosed in the past.
For Deidre, breast cancer ran in her family and her aunt passed away from the same disease in her late 80s, which should be a warning for others.
Deidre discussed how she will be having a lumpectomy this weekend, which will take out the cluster in her breast and healthy tissue surrounding it and "[hoped] it hasn’t spread".
She will then undergo some radiotherapy.
"I feel really fortunate it was caught early, but the reality is that if they can’t get it all out then I might have to have a mastectomy," she added.
Why mammograms are important
Mammograms are vital as they help detect cancers in their early stages, allowing more treatment options and a increased chance of recovery.
In the UK, receiving an automatic notification for your next mammogram appointment stops after the age of 70.
Therefore, it's important for older women to continue with their check-ups.
"I had the mammogram because of the ache, and if you think you are too old to need one, you could make a big mistake," warned Diedre.
"You need to write to request one, so please do that it is so worthwhile."
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