GOOD Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones has warned of the hidden threat of breast cancer in the wake of Sarah Harding’s death.
The Girls Aloud star was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last August and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.
Her heartbroken mum Marie yesterday confirmed her death after she fought the disease for 12 months.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain (GMB) today, Dr Hilary revealed the early warning signs that everyone should be looking out for.
While most people look out for a lump or bump on their breast, Dr Hilary said one of Sarah’s symptoms had been a lump under the armpit.
GMB host Susanna Reid added that it was “far to young” for Sarah to have died at the age of 39 and questioned how unusual this had been.
Dr Hilary said: “It’s rare, we hear a lot about breast cancer in younger women because it’s so shocking when it happens.
“About five per cent of cases occur in women under 40, so being aware of the early signs and symptoms is still really important.
“If people are worried that there has been a change in the size and shape, the texture of the breast, if there is any puckering of the skin, any in-pulling of the nipple, any discharge – anything like that.”
He then highlighted a graphic of the different breast cancer symptoms and said that ‘hopefully’ people are becoming more aware of these.
Susanna then highlighted that for Sarah, it had been a lump under her armpit that had been concerning.
Dr Hilary added: “The lymph glands were the first sign for her and if in doubt just go and get it checked out.
“I know people are finding it difficult to get appointments with their GP face-to-face at the moment.
“Cancer cases are prioritised, if you think you have anything suspicious like that then even if it’s triage first or an online consultation, you will be seen face-to-face by the doctor and referred urgently for investigation and treatment.”
DIAGNOSIS
Sarah first discovered a cyst during the pandemic and didn’t go to the hospital straight away as she was concerned about overrun hospitals.
She announced her diagnosis in August last year.
She posted a photo of herself from her hospital bed and said she was “fighting as hard as I possibly can”.
