This December, Sam Mitchell will be diagnosed with breast cancer after she returns to Walford with concerns following the discovery of a lump in her breast.
Although it’s clear Sam initially wants to keep her discovery to herself, her erratic behaviour soon alerts her family to the situation, and via Jack, Denise and finally Phil, Sam is encouraged to go to the doctors to get her breast lump checked.
The results later confirm that Sam does have breast cancer, but having received an early diagnosis due to getting checked quickly, Sam is able to make a full recovery when she removes the lump via a lumpectomy in scenes set to air in the New Year.
The storyline will follow Sam and those around her from the point she considers seeking medical advice, receiving a diagnosis, and the treatment that follows, and will highlight the importance of speaking to medical professionals when changes occur in your breast.
EastEnders is working with Breast Cancer Now, as well as experts in the field, to ensure the storyline is handled sensitively and accurately.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer says: “It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately. Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.”
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now adds: Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers. We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it’s portrayed authentically. We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved. As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.”
CT3
Follow for more