Shirley Ballas, 59, head judge on the popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, announced on Instagram last year about her devastating breast cancer scare. The star shared a picture of a breast cancer awareness poster to highlight the disease with her fans. She wanted to promote the message of how important it is to routinely check yourself for the disease and expressed her gratitude to the NHS for their unwavering dedication during her ordeal.
Taking to Instagram Shirley praised the NHS and said: “I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to the NHS.
“I had a routine check at the doctors and she was not happy with what she felt and saw in my breast. Immediately sent me to Clatterbridge hospital for a mammogram and ultra sound.
“I urge all women particularly over 50 to get checked. We go about our daily lives always busy and sometimes ignoring our body.
“If something changes externally or you have any discomfort at all it’s your body telling you “take care of me”. DON’T PUT IT OFF. Early detection is key to getting better.
“I have cancer in my family line so I will be being vigilant. To all the beautiful women out there young and old get checked regularly. We have one beautiful body we need to keep it well taken care of.
“Thank you again to the NHS for being so marvellous.” Shirley had learned about her family’s history of cancer during her appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?
Symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump in the breast
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
- Nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
- Rash (like eczema) on the nipple
- A discharge from the nipple
- Swelling or a lump in the armpit
The NHS said: “The first symptom of breast cancer most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor.
“It’s important to be breast aware so you can pick up any changes as soon as possible.
The first symptom of breast cancer most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast
NHS
“Get to know what is normal for you for instance, your breasts may look or feel different at different times of your life.
“This will make it much easier to spot potential problems.”
Shirley went on to urge all women, particularly those over 50, to get checked.
She added: “We go about our daily lives always busy and sometimes ignoring our body. If something changes externally or you have any discomfort at all it’s your body telling you ‘take care of me’.
“DON’T PUT IT OFF. Early detection is key to getting better.”
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