Actress Lisa Faulkner, widely recognised for her roles in popular dramas such as EastEnders and Holby City, has disclosed her recent diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. The 54-year-old, married to chef John Torode, shared her health journey with her 372,000 Instagram followers on Thursday, revealing she underwent surgery two weeks ago to remove the cancerous cells. While she still requires radiotherapy, Faulkner reassured fans that she is "feeling so much better" and that the procedure was successful.
In her candid post, Faulkner detailed the experience, explaining: "I’ve had to have surgery because I’ve had the very early stages of breast cancer. I had surgery two weeks ago, and it was quite a big op, but it’s all good, and I’ve had my results back, and they’ve got everything out, and so it’s all clear, and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks." She added that she has "still got quite a bit of healing to do, but I’m good, I’m well, and feeling so much better."
Crucially, Faulkner used her platform to advocate for regular health check-ups, particularly highlighting the importance of mammograms. She stressed that her cancer would not have been detected without this crucial screening. "I am so grateful that I went for my mammogram," she stated. "Don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up." She concluded her message by expressing profound gratitude for the "wonderful NHS" for providing the scan and early treatment.
Faulkner’s announcement serves as a timely reminder of the prevalence of breast cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, around 55,900 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it the most common cancer in the UK. Survival rates have significantly improved over recent decades, with early detection through screening programmes playing a vital role. The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50 to 71 for a mammogram every three years, and women over 71 can request screening.
This news follows a similar revelation from broadcaster Davina McCall, 58, who announced in early 2025 that she had received the "all clear" following surgery for breast cancer diagnosed in October 2024. Both women's public sharing of their experiences helps to raise awareness and encourage others to attend their screenings and seek medical advice for any concerns. The NHS recommends that anyone with symptoms such as a lump in their breast or armpit, changes to the size or shape of the breast, or nipple discharge, should contact their GP promptly or call NHS 111 for advice.