The iconic BBC soap has confirmed that EastEnders character Sam Mitchell, portrayed by Kim Medcalf, will be diagnosed with breast cancer following the discovery of a lump.
EastEnders has confirmed that character Sam Mitchell will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Played by Kim Medcalf, Sam returns to Walford next month following the discovery of a lump in her breast. Last seen on-screen in January of last year, her December return sees her family notice her “erratic behaviour” and urge her to visit a doctor to have the lump checked.
The results confirm she has breast cancer, but thanks to the early diagnosis, Sam makes a full recovery after the lump is removed in a lumpectomy. These scenes are set to air in the new year.
The show added that the storyline follows Sam Mitchell and those around her, from the moment she considers seeking medical advice to her diagnosis and treatment. It emphasizes the “importance of speaking to medical professionals when changes occur in your breast.”
To ensure the storyline is handled sensitively and accurately, the popular BBC soap has partnered with the research and support charity Breast Cancer Now.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, said: “It was essential that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to portray Sam’s important breast cancer storyline accurately and sensitively. Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after discovering a lump in her breast, but with support from her family and friends, she gets help quickly. Because her cancer is caught early, she is able to have the lump successfully removed via a lumpectomy, with scenes set to air in the new year.”
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, said: “Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers. We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it is portrayed authentically. We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, lives being saved.
“EastEnders is therefore delivering a vital health message, raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, recognizing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes examined by a GP.”
The soap character, daughter of Peggy and sister to Phil and Grant Mitchell, first appeared on Albert Square in 1990 and was originally played by Danniella Westbrook. Kim Medcalf took over the role from 2002 to 2005 and reprised it in 2022.
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