Ex-Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh shares breast cancer scare
Former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh has revealed she experienced a breast cancer scare.
The star, who appeared on the first five seasons of the reality show until 2013, explained in a new Instagram post that she recently found a lump on her breast – though thankfully tests confirmed it was benign.
"PSA: Ladies make sure you to check your breasts!" she began a caption on a picture of flowers on her chest.
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"Firstly, I want to say, I’m incredibly fortunate that my experience of finding a lump resulted in a clear diagnosis. For the 55,000 Women & Men diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year, their story & journeys are unbelievably heroic.
"Last month I discovered a lump on the edge of my left breast," Millie explained. "Although I tried to stop my mind from racing, the worry crept in very quickly. I knew this was not something to ignore so I booked in with my GP.
"Under NHS guidelines, if your symptoms could indicate cancer, your GP will refer you on a two-week urgent referral, so a specialist can see you ASAP.
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"Upon examination with my GP and given my age, I was referred for an Ultrasound rather than a Mammogram," she added, revealing that the results were "inconclusive" and she required a biopsy.
"At this point all rational thinking went out the window & I spiralled into my health anxiety," Millie continued. "Even the statistics based on my family history (none), physical health (good) age & early detection, couldn’t quieten my mind.
"I decided whilst waiting for the results I’d try to take a more positive approach. In the day I’d talk to family & close friends (some of which had been through the same) which really helped, but the nights were hard, as I only had my own thoughts and struggled to sleep."
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The star revealed that her results then came in and showed a benign lump with no detection of cancerous cells, admitting it was "an elation [she] had never felt before" and that the lump was likely due to "hormonal changes and didn’t need removing".
"With 1 in 20 lumps deemed potentially concerning, early detection is one of the most important steps, so please put a few minutes aside for your monthly MOT and don’t put it off!" she added.
"We’re so lucky to be surrounded by those who tirelessly campaign for awareness. There are so many incredible charities, but I felt an instant connection to @coppafeel whose mission is to ensure early accurate detection in young people, by focusing on educating & empowering women to know and fight for their bodies."
More information or support about living with breast cancer or treatment is available from organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, Coppafeel!, Cancer Research UK and Stand Up to Cancer.
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