Following the tragic death of her late husband Paul Daniels in 2016, Debbie McGee believed it was the residue stress that caused her tumours to develop when in 2018 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Stress, I think caused mine. I’ve never been through the stress I’ve been through since I lost Paul. Grief hits you in so many ways you’re not expecting. It’s not all about sadness,” she told The Sun.
“I just think I’m the luckiest person alive because I had a mammogram,” Debbie said.
The breast screening tool – available to registered patients in the UK between the ages of 50 to 71 – identified Debbie’s small tumours.
“I have always had regular mammograms,” said Debbie, which is potentially the reason the disease was caught in the early stages.
In the UK, the NHS confirmed eligible women are automatically invited for breast screening every three years.
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“The earlier the condition is found, the better the chances of surviving it,” the NHS reassured.
Early detection also decreases the likelihood of having breasts removed or needing chemotherapy.
The results of a mammogram will be sent to you and your GP no later than two weeks after your appointment.
If you notice warning signs of breast cancer, you do not need to wait to get a mammogram to report your symptoms.
For further information on breast cancer, please visit the Know Your Lemons Foundation.
The charity has a free breast examination health app available for download on smartphones to keep track of your breast changes.
Meanwhile, Debbie McGee stars on BBC One’s Celebrity Mastermind on Saturday May 1 at 5.25pm.
Other guest stars include Ben Cajee, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, and Tracy-Ann Oberman.
