Nerve- wracking... but it may have saved my life
Amanda Holden urges women to have breast cancer scan
AMANDA Holden shares a video of herself having a mammogram to inspire others to get checked out.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 49, posted it online for Breast Cancer Awareness month and urged viewers to have their breasts examined “for their own safety”.
She said the procedure was “quick and painless” and could save lives.
Amanda began by explaining she was having her annual mammogram – an X- ray test to help detect early signs of cancer. Filming for Heart radio station yesterday, she said: “I’m going to take you right the way through the whole thing. Try not to be intimidated because this is a big machine and it’s a little bit buzzy.
“Stripping off in front of a complete stranger can be a bit nervewracking, but in the end it’s for your own safety and your own good, so all I can say is just do it. Do it for your family, do it for yourself.”
The mother of two guided viewers through the scan. Her nurse explained that she may feel discomfort but Amanda said: “That was really quick and pretty painless considering it could potentially save my life.” The nurse added: “It’s important for you to do
your self examinations. We’re meant to do that monthly so you’re aware of what’s normal for you and you’re aware of any changes.
“You can also be vigilant by having regular mammograms and from the age of 50 upwards. We invite you to have regular screens every three years.”
Changes
After the scan, which was shared on Instagram, Amanda said: “It didn’t feel too painful, it definitely felt very tight and it did feel a bit uncomfortable.
“But for the seconds it lasted it was totally worth doing. If you haven’t ever done it before I promise you it’s over really quickly.”
In the caption to the video, she added: “My boobs always seem to be in the headlines for silly reasons so I hope that changes today as I document my own mammogram with Heart to highlight that one in eight of us women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during our lifetime.
“Worryingly 50 per cent of us fail to notice, or know the early signs of the disease.”