There’s been an incredible wave of love and support for TV presenter Davina McCall, after she bravely revealed her breast cancer diagnosis.
The 58-year-old star shared the emotional news on Instagram, explaining that doctors caught the disease “very, very early.”
She reassured fans that she has already undergone successful surgery and will soon begin radiotherapy.
In true Davina style, she said she chose to open up publicly in the hope of helping others — much like she did last year, when she underwent surgery for a benign brain tumour.
How Davina First Discovered the Lump
Davina revealed she first noticed something unusual while filming The Masked Singer.
She said the lump would “come and go,” so at first, she wasn’t sure what to make of it.
But it was a reminder in an unexpected place that prompted her to take action — a sign on the back of a toilet door at ITV’s Lorraine studios.
The message urged women to “check your breasts”, and Davina said she did just that every time she went to the loo during filming.
Eventually, she decided to get it checked out, and a biopsy confirmed breast cancer.
She underwent a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago, removing the affected tissue.
Fans and Experts Rally Behind Her
As soon as Davina shared her news, the response was overwhelming.
Friends, fans, and medical professionals filled her comments with encouragement and relief that it had been caught early.
Doctors also used the moment to remind the public that early detection saves lives — and that breast cancer is often highly treatable when spotted quickly.
Understanding the Early Signs of Breast Cancer
To help raise awareness, here’s a breakdown of the key early symptoms everyone should know, as outlined by experts and cancer charities.
A Lump in the Breast
Finding a lump can be frightening — but most aren’t cancerous.
According to Cancer Research UK, many lumps are benign cysts or tissue changes caused by hormones, injury, or infection.
Doctors advise women to look out for hard, painless, and irregularly shaped lumps, even if they can’t be seen but can be felt during a self-check.
Swelling or Lump in the Armpit
Your lymph glands — found in the armpits, neck, and groin — can swell when you’re fighting an infection.
But if the swelling feels hard or doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, it could signal that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
In that case, a check-up with your doctor is essential.
Changes in Size or Shape of the Breasts
Breast cancer can cause one breast to change size or shape, but it’s not always the cause — pregnancy or hormonal changes can also be responsible.
Still, if you notice persistent or unexplained changes, you should always get them examined, even during pregnancy.
Nipple Discharge
The NHS notes that nipple discharge isn’t always alarming — many women experience it occasionally.
However, it’s worth checking if the discharge is bloody, smelly, or only affects one breast, or if it happens without pressure being applied.
Men should also know that any nipple discharge is not normal and should be checked immediately.
Redness, Rash, or Dimpling of the Skin
Skin changes like rashes, redness, or dimpling (which can resemble orange peel) may be signs of an inflammatory form of breast cancer, a rare but aggressive type.
That said, rashes can also have other causes — so if something looks unusual or doesn’t heal, get it checked out to be safe.
Itchy, Crusty, or Scaly Nipples
Crusty or itchy skin around the nipple can sometimes mimic eczema, but it can also signal a deeper issue.
Inflammatory breast cancer can make the skin feel sore, swollen, or warm, and may cause discomfort that doesn’t go away.
While pain is a less common symptom of breast cancer, it’s important to take any persistent breast discomfort seriously.
Your DIY Guide to Checking Your Breasts
According to charity CoppaFeel, self-checks are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to catch breast cancer early.
Yet, research shows over one-third of UK women still don’t do it regularly — often because they’re unsure how.
Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
When to Check
Try to check your breasts once a month — ideally at the same time in your cycle — so you can spot what’s normal for you and what isn’t.
You can do it in the shower, lying in bed, or even in front of the mirror before getting dressed.
Remember, breast tissue extends up to your collarbone and armpits, so check these areas too.
How to Check
There’s no single “right” way to check, but most experts recommend using the pads of your fingers to gently feel all over the breast and armpit area.
Move your fingers in circular motions, or from top to bottom, feeling for any unusual lumps or thickening.
Then, look in the mirror for visual changes like dimpling, discharge, or altered nipple shape.
If you notice anything different, book an appointment with your GP. Women aged 50 to 70 should also attend regular mammogram screenings.
How Common Is Breast Cancer — and Who Does It Affect?
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting more than two million women each year.
In the UK, around 55,000 women are diagnosed annually, and around 11,500 die from the disease.
In the U.S., there are around 266,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths every year.
Although it primarily affects women over 50, younger women and men can also develop the disease.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer begins when a cell in the breast tissue mutates and starts to grow uncontrollably.
While the exact trigger isn’t always known, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors can play a role.
In some cases, people inherit faulty genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2, which significantly increase risk.
How Doctors Diagnose Breast Cancer
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam, followed by a mammogram (a type of X-ray).
If something looks suspicious, doctors perform a biopsy, taking a small sample of tissue to test for cancer cells.
Further scans — like ultrasounds or chest X-rays — help determine whether the cancer has spread.
The Main Treatment Options
Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the patient.
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Surgery: Either a lumpectomy (removing only the tumour) or a mastectomy (removing the whole breast).
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Radiotherapy: Uses targeted beams to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.
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Chemotherapy: Drugs that attack fast-growing cells to prevent the cancer from returning.
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Hormone therapy: For cancers that rely on hormones like oestrogen to grow.
A Strong Chance of Recovery
Doctors say the outlook for breast cancer is best when it’s caught early and hasn’t spread.
Thanks to routine mammograms and greater awareness, more women are now being diagnosed at earlier stages — giving them a much better chance of a full recovery.
For more information or support, visit breastcancernow.org or call their free helpline on 0808 800 6000.