Corrie’s Victoria Ekanoye: I had double mastectomy after finding deadly lump
The ex-Coronation Street actress had been diagnosed with cancer in October last year, aged 39, and it took two weeks after her op before she dared look at the result — but when she did she wept with relief.
She says: “I composed myself and looked in the mirror. I was alone. It was incredibly emotional. I felt overwhelming relief because not everyone gets to have an operation that could save your life.”
Victoria, who is backing our Get Checked campaign, says the lump was so big she did not have to look for it. She had an early form of breast cancer called DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ, meaning milk duct cells had turned cancerous.
She said: “I cried. I knew I would have to tell people I love and care about. I hate worrying them. Breastfeeding saved me. I may not have detected it otherwise.
“When they told me it was very treatable and potentially surgery would be curative, there was no option but the double mastectomy.
“I just don’t want to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. I’ve got a baby boy and family and friends, so I wanted to eliminate as much risk as possible. It is peace of mind.
“I didn’t explore any other options. Because of my family history I had insight. It’s allowed me to keep a level head and stay quite pragmatic but it is overwhelming – especially with being a mum.”
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