Vanessa Trump shares devastating breast cancer diagnosis - here are the 8 symptoms to look out for

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

Questions have been raised over the symptoms of breast cancer following the news that Vanessa Trump has received a diagnosis.

In a message shared to Instagram on Wednesday (20 May), the former model - ex-wife to the US President's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr - announced a 'personal health update'.

Vanessa, 48, began: "I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. While this isn't news anyone expects, I'm working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan."

She went on to thank physicians for the care they've given her so far, following a procedure 'earlier this week'.

Vanessa is a mother-of-five (Instagram/@officialvanessatrump)

"I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids, and those closest to me," Vanessa continued.

The New York local shares five children with Don Jr, from whom she divorced in 2018 - daughters Kai, 19, and Chloe, 11, and sons Donald, 17, Tristan, 14, and 13-year-old Spencer.

Vanessa went on to address her social media followers directly, adding: "Thank you for your kindness and support it truly means more than I can express. I kindly ask for privacy as I focus on my health and recovery."

The media star's diagnosis has also prompted searches over the most common symptoms of breast cancer, as well as those that often fly under the radar.

Vanessa broke the news on social media (Instagram/@officialvanessatrump)

According to the NHS, some signs of the disease may include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast or armpit
• Dimpling, or other changes to the skin of the breast
• Redness of the breast
• A change in the size and shape of one or both breasts
• Discharge from the nipple which may contain blood
• An inversion of the nipple
• A rash across the breast
• Pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit that doesn't go away.

Doctors recommend checking breasts regularly (Getty Stock Image)

Doctors recommend checking breasts regularly to familiarise yourself with what is considered normal for you.

That way, it'll be easier to notice when something is off, and you can book an appointment with a GP.

Once breast cancer has begun spreading to other areas of the body, a series of secondary symptoms might present themselves.

These could include:

• Feeling fatigued, or having no energy
• A loss of appetite, or losing weight involuntarily
• Feeling nauseas or vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping
• A weakened immune system.

Vanessa has received support from fans (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Vanessa's post has since accumulated hundreds of thousands of comments from celebrity pals, fans and fellow breast cancer survivors.

Her ex-sister-in-law, President Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka, wrote: "Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama."

Vanessa's daughter, Kai, added: "Love you! Strongest person ever."

Right-wing media personality, Gina Loudon also penned: "Oh Vanessa - BIG prayers up for you right now! If anyone can beat this, you’re one of the most positive, strong women I know! And surrounded by love! Call for anything."

"Praying for you so very much for you and your beautiful family. I am so sorry to hear this," Katie Zacharia, of Fox News, continued.

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.