Celebrity NewsSix breast cancer signs everyone needs to know as Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian diagnosed

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Privacy NoticeHollyoaks and Strictly Come Dancing star Ali Bastian has opened up about her shock diagnosis of Stage Two breast cancer. The actress, who also starred in the BBC One soap Doctors, revealed to OK magazine that she found a lump while breastfeeding her daughter Isabella. Initially, it was believed that the mum, who was a semi-finalist of the 2009 series of Strictly Come Dancing, had a blocked milk duct. However, it was later discovered to be cancer for which she is now undergoing treatment, including weekly chemotherapy, and is preparing for a mastectomy and radiotherapy next year. Cancer Research UK’s latest statistics, from 2017-19, show that an average of 56,822 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Approximately 11,500 women and 85 men die from the disease annually – that’s one death every 45 minutes – making it the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths and the second most common in women after lung cancer. Early detection can significantly improve the prognosis, with three out of four people surviving for ten or more years after diagnosis, reports Gloucestershire Live. So, what should you be on the lookout for?

Ali Bastian, left, with Zoe Lucker, Kelly Brook and Natalie Cassidy ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in 2010
(Image: 2010 Shirlaine Forrest)

Given that men can also develop breast cancer, it’s crucial that everyone is aware of the symptoms. The NHS lists six key signs to watch out for and provides guidance on how to perform a self-check. Here’s what they recommend. Most common breast cancer symptoms in women The symptoms of breast cancer in women can include: a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin) a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema) pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer
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What do I look for when checking? Symptoms to look and feel for when checking your breasts or chest include: a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it’s common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema) sores or ulcers on your chest Your breasts may naturally look and feel different: at different points in your menstrual cycle, if you have periods while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding after menopause The NHS says: “It’s important to get to know how your breasts feel throughout your cycle and at different stages of your life, so you can spot any changes that are not normal for you.”

Ali Bastian has told of her shock at the diagnosis
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

How to check your breasts and chest To check your breasts or chest: Look at your breasts or chest in a mirror to look for any changes. Start with your arms by your sides and then raise them. Feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit. Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts. Feel around and over each nipple. It advises that you may find it easier to feel your breasts or chest in the shower or lying down.

Ali Bastian and husband David O’Mahony
(Image: Getty)

When to see a GP You should make an appointment to see a doctor if: you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit you have any changes in your breasts, chest or nipples that are not normal for you you have pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away The NHS adds: “These symptoms, including breast lumps, are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it’s important to get checked by a GP. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnHollyoaksStrictly Come DancingHealth

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