BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire discovered she had breast cancer after Googling ‘inverted nipple’
SHE is usually the one telling the stories, sharing experiences of people from all walks of life.
But now BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire is telling her own story - about her battle with breast cancer.
After being diagnosed in July 2015 the current affairs presenter had a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Charting her journey, she kept video diaries and has written a book, Dear Cancer, Love Victoria.
In extracts she reveals how Googling "inverted nipple" changed her life forever, reports the
It was July 27, 2015 that Victoria searched her symptoms online and was left facing the reality she may have breast cancer.
The 48-year-old, who lives in London with her radio producer partner, Mark Sandell, and sons Joe, eight, and Oliver, 11, faced the inevitable rollercoaster of emotions.
Shock, fear, worry, dread.
She wrote: "My mind races. I can’t bear not to be with these three most important people in my life."
After searching for her symptoms online, Victoria booked an appointment with her GP.
They found her a lump in her breast, and further tests at hospital confirmed it was cancer.
Describing the moment doctors gave her the devastating news, she said it was like "a colossal fist has come crashing down on my head".
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"The feeling of being battered lasts only seconds.
"It should take longer, but soon I am weirdly calm," she wrote.
"I am cross and indignant – what the hell is going on? How dare this happen? And then there are no words as I cry into Mark’s shoulder."
Following her diagnosis the 48-year-old revealed how she cancelled her pension contributions and decided she wanted to "live for now".
In a candid interview earlier this month she recalled telling Mark to "sell the house" if she died.
She said: "I remember sitting with Mark at the kitchen table and saying: 'We need to talk about this.
"'If I die, you're going to have to sell this house... sell the house, downsize, the kids can still go to the same schools'."
She later shared a video of herself removing her wig, saying that losing her hair had been one of the most upsetting aspects of battling the disease.
Victoria finished her last round of treatment in May 2016.
At her latest check-up, docs told her "there is no evidence of cancer", but warned there's an 11 per cent chance it could come back.
An inverted nipple and 7 other surprising signs that mean you could have breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women.
Women are advised to check their breasts each month for signs of cancer, starting in your 20s.
While most women know to check for lumps and bumps, there are a surprising number of symptoms that you might not know to check for.
1. An inverted nipple
Some people naturally have inverted nipples - which is absolutely fine.
But, everyone's breasts are different.
Carolyn Rogers, a senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said: "If your nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes it's shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign."
2. Change in breast size or shape
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes - but if you notice yours have changed you should book an appointment with your GP.
"They may change at the time of your period, when going through pregnancy as your body ages," Carolyn said.
"By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by
your doctor."
3. Redness, a rash or skin sores
It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash, on the skin and around the nipple.
A rash in this area could just be triggered by new washing powder, or a lacy bra irritating the skin.
But if it an ongoing issue then it could be a sign of something far more serious.
Be sure to look out for changes in skin texture and colour
4. Nipple discharge
If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
"We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one," said Carolyn.
"But, if it's not normal for you, then mention it to your GP."
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5. Swelling around the armpit or collarbone
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer but they don't always appear in the breast.
Sometimes they can appear higher up, or further to the side, and cause swelling around the collarbone or armpits.
"Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas," explained Carolyn.
So make sure you check all around the breast and surrounding area when you check your boobs each month.
6. Change in skin texture
From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple - changes in the skin's appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if it looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.
7. Constant pain
It is normal for your boobs to feel sore around your time of the month.
But if you have a dull ache that won't go away it can be a sign of cancer.
"Having pain in the breast area is really common," said Carolyn.
"It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra."
If the pain doesn't disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.
8. A growing vein
It is normal to be able to see your veins on your breasts.
But if one becomes more prominent and continues to grow you should see a GP.
A growing vein could be a sign that cancer is blocking a blood vessel.
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