Lisa Faulkner has revealed she is 'all clear' after undergoing surgery for early-stage breast cancer, using the milestone to deliver an important message to women across the UK: don't skip your mammogram.
The actress and television presenter said a routine NHS breast screening detected the cancer before she experienced any symptoms, allowing doctors to remove it successfully. As she prepares to undergo radiotherapy in the coming weeks, Faulkner has spoken candidly about her diagnosis in the hope of encouraging others to prioritise early detection.
Her announcement has been widely praised by fans and fellow celebrities, while also shining a spotlight on the life-saving role of routine mammograms. Health experts have long stressed that breast screening can detect cancers at an early stage, when treatment is often more effective, and survival rates are significantly higher.
Lisa Faulkner Announces She Is 'All Clear'
The 54-year-old, best known for starring in EastEnders, Holby City and Spooks, shared the health update with followers on Instagram, revealing she underwent surgery two weeks before making the announcement.
'I've had my results back, and it's all good, they've got everything out, so it's all clear, and I just need some radiotherapy in a few weeks,' Faulkner said.
She explained that she had been diagnosed with 'the very early stages of breast cancer' and described the procedure as 'quite a big op'.
Although she still faces further treatment, the presenter said she is recovering well.
'I've still got quite a bit of healing to do, but I'm good, I'm well and feeling so much better,' she added.
Her announcement prompted messages of support from fellow celebrities, including former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, who wrote: 'Love you, Lise. You've got this, my darling.'
Routine Mammogram Detected Cancer Early
Faulkner said she decided to speak publicly in the hope that her experience would encourage more women to attend breast screening appointments.
'I'm so grateful that I went for my mammogram. Don't put them off, go, because they found this. Without this mammogram, it wouldn't have been picked up,' she said.
She also thanked the NHS for providing access to breast screening and prompt treatment.
'I want to say thank you to our wonderful NHS, and the fact that we can have these mammograms, and we can get treatment early.'
Health experts have long stressed that mammograms can identify breast cancer before symptoms develop, allowing treatment to begin at an earlier stage when outcomes are generally more favourable.
Why Early Detection Is So Important
According to the NHS, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. Thousands of women are diagnosed each year, but survival rates continue to improve thanks to greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and advances in treatment.
A mammogram is a specialised X-ray that can detect small changes in breast tissue before they can be felt as a lump. Many women diagnosed through routine screening have no noticeable symptoms, making regular appointments an important part of early detection.
Following surgery, patients with early-stage breast cancer are often offered radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning by destroying any remaining cancer cells.
Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore
Although routine screening plays a vital role, doctors also encourage women to be aware of any changes to their breasts between mammograms.
The NHS advises seeking medical advice if you notice a new lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit, changes in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling of the skin, redness or a rash around the nipple, nipple discharge that is not normal, or persistent breast pain.
Most breast changes are not cancer, but experts say they should always be assessed by a GP without delay.
Women aged 50 to 71 are routinely invited for NHS breast screening every three years, although anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their GP regardless of their age or when they last had a mammogram.
Faulkner Hopes Her Story Encourages Others
By sharing her diagnosis and recovery, Faulkner hopes her experience will encourage women not to postpone screening appointments through fear or because they feel healthy.
Her case demonstrates how breast cancer can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing doctors to begin treatment sooner.
Now recovering from surgery and preparing for radiotherapy, Faulkner said she is feeling optimistic about the future. Her message remains clear: attending a routine mammogram led to an early diagnosis, successful surgery and a positive outcome—something she hopes will inspire others to make their own health a priority.
