Symptoms of breast cancer as Ricky Gervais’ partner Jane Fallon reveals diagnosis
British comedian Ricky Gervais' partner, Jane Fallon, has recently shared with fans news of her breast cancer diagnosis, despite showing no symptoms.
Fallon, a bestselling author and TV producer, took to Instagram on Thursday (12 March), where she informed her followers that she had been diagnosed with a 'very early stage' of breast cancer.
The 65-year-old shared a selfie with the overlay text that read: "Bit of news... (No one panic)."
In the caption, Fallon penned: "So... I thought I should post something as I’ve had a few people notice I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately.
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"About a month ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer - very early stage, thankfully & the prognosis is excellent."
The author explained that she had gone in for a routine mammogram a week before Christmas, telling fans: "I had no symptoms, but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy."
"Since then," she continued, "I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely."
Admitting that the process has 'been a lot', Fallon assured fans that her surgery is scheduled for the week after next, adding: "I just want to get it over with now."
"I’m getting incredible care, and all will be fine," she concluded.
While Fallon noted that she didn't personally notice any symptoms herself, it's important to be aware of the common warning signs.
The NHS explains that symptoms of breast cancer in women may 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 the 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
You can find out more about breast cancer on the official NHS website here.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Cancer, Life, Explained, Health, Women's Health, NHS, Celebrity
Rhiannon Ingle