LONDON, July 3 — Actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner has revealed she underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer, a diagnosis she said was caught only because she attended a routine mammogram. The 54-year-old former EastEnders and Holby City star, who is married to TV chef John Torode, told her 372,000 Instagram followers that she had the procedure two weeks ago. According to her statement, doctors have since given her the all-clear, though she still requires radiotherapy in the coming weeks.
“I’ve had to have surgery because I’ve had the very early stages of breast cancer,” Faulkner said in a video. “It was quite a big op, but it’s all good, and I’ve had my results back, and they’ve got everything out, and so it’s all clear, and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks.” Faulkner, who has four children and married the former MasterChef presenter in 2019, urged others not to delay screenings.
“I am so grateful that I went for my mammogram,” she said. “Don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up.” She thanked the “wonderful NHS” for the scan and early treatment. Her disclosure has prompted renewed attention from oncologists on the range of symptoms that can signal the disease.
One specialist noted that breast cancer signs “aren’t a lump” and listed several red-flag indicators beyond the well-known mass. The strategic context is stark.
Research published in The Lancet Oncology projects global breast cancer cases will exceed 3.5 million by 2050. In the UK alone, one woman receives a diagnosis every ten minutes, according to research and support charity Breast Cancer Now. Early detection remains the single largest factor for successful treatment, officials confirmed.
Faulkner’s case underscores that point: “I’ve still got quite a bit of healing to do, but I’m good, I’m well, and feeling so much better,” she said. The actress’s public account serves as a reminder that routine screening can identify malignancies before they become palpable. For women who notice changes—whether a lump, skin dimpling, discharge, or persistent pain—oncologists advise prompt medical evaluation.
Faulkner’s recovery continues. She said she is healing and looking forward to completing radiotherapy.
The record shows her message is straightforward: attend your mammogram. Consult your doctor for medical advice.
