As ex-Dragon’s Den star reveals breast cancer diagnosis – the 6 surprising symptoms you might miss
FORMER Dragon’s Den star Kelly Hoppen today revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 63-year-old interior designer and businesswoman – best known for appearing on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den – admitted she missed routine mammogram appointments for eight years running before her cancer was found.
When she finally scheduled a long-overdue appointment last September, Kelly was shocked to be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
This meant some cells in the lining of the milk ducts in her breasts had turned cancerous, but the disease has not yet spread into the surrounding breast tissue.
She had the cancer cells removed from the ducts – “an awful procedure which made me feel very sore,” she said.
“(My doctor) explained that I’d been very fortunate indeed: DCIS is the very mildest form of cancer,” Kelly shared.
The star said she was lucky to have her cancer detected early.
“Had it not been, I might have faced a less happy outcome. Actually, I might not be here writing this cautionary tale now.”
The 63-year-old was given the all clear last month but said there was 10 to 15 per cent chance the cancer will return
Kelly vowed never to skip a mammogram again and cautioned her fans to ensure they go to their screening appointments.
Around 6,900 women are diagnosed with DCIS in the United Kingdom each year, Cancer Research UK noted. It’s often picked up in women when they have mammograms as part of the UK breast screening programme.
Meanwhile, Breast Cancer Now said some 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.
Eight out of 10 cases are diagnosed in women 50 and over, though about 10,000 cases are found yearly younger women, the charity added.
How can I spot breast cancer?
Most of us will know that one of the first noticeable symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or an area of thickened breast tissue.
But NHS noted that the disease can have several symptoms, including:
- changes in the size and shape of one or both your breasts
- discharge from your nipples – this may be streaked with blood
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- puckering or dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash (like eczema) on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
You should see a GP if you have any of these symptoms, NHS guidance stated.
It noted that most breast lumps are not cancerous and that breast pain on its own isn’t usually a sign of the disease.
There’s a good chance of recovery if breast cancer is detected at an early stage, so it’s vital to check your breasts regularly and have any changes examined by a doctor.
How can I check my own boobs?
Everybody's boobs are different in terms of size, shape and consistency.
One of your breasts can be bigger than the other, and the way they feel could change at different times of the month.
For example, you might have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of your period.
And after the menopause, they might feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.
The NHS recommends you get used to these changes so you can recognise when something doesn’t look or feel normal for you.
You should look at your boobs and feel each one, from your armpit up to your collarbone.
You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast.
You should:
- feel around the breast in a circular motion
- feel under your arm
- feel behind the nipple
You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.
While it’s not understood what exactly causes breast cancer, there are certain factors that could increase your risk, such as age:
- age – the risk increases as you get older
- a family history of breast cancer
- a previous diagnosis of breast cancer
- a previous non-cancerous (benign) breast lump
- being tall, overweight or obese
- drinking alcohol
Breast Cancer Now said everyone can take steps to lower their chances of getting breast cancer by making small healthy changes and living well now, including drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active.