Coronation Street star Beverley Callard, 69, has issued a health update after completing 10 radiotherapy sessions for breast cancer. The actress revealed medical staff warned her that the worst was yet to come following her treatment.
Callard was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has constantly updated followers during her treatment and hospital appointments. Last month, she shared that she had completed all ten of her radiotherapy sessions.
Speaking on RTE Radio on Tuesday, Callard described receiving her diagnosis. She said: "They told me and said it was cancer. It was just numb really, it took a little while for it to sink in."
Rather than taking time off, Callard chose to continue working immediately after learning the news. She said: "I just decided to keep going to work, mainly because, you just sit at home thinking about it. I worked all that day, and the next day and the next day because there was nothing I could do."
Radiotherapy treatment and side effects
Callard finished radiotherapy a couple of weeks ago, but she is still waiting for her final results. She said: "I finished radiotherapy a couple of weeks ago. I don't have the results yet, I've got to wait, I don't know what the prognosis is and the next steps are but I coped with the radiotherapy well."
After completing the course, Callard mentioned her work attendance record to hospital staff. She said: "I said to the staff that I thought I'd done well because I'd not missed any work and let anyone down. They said 'Yeah but the worst is yet to come.'"
Medical staff explained that side effects would develop later. Callard added: "The side effects come a bit later. Burnt skin, I was very nauseous, so tired, it wipes you and I didn't think I would be. [The treatment] isn't frightening, the thought of cancer is frightening, but I have met the most wonderful people through this."
Instagram video update to followers
Callard has kept fans informed about her recovery through her social media channels. Last month, she shared a video clip on Instagram filmed while sitting on her bed, admitting she had felt dreadful over the weekend.
In the video, Callard spoke about her initial expectations after completing treatment. She said: "Well, what a weekend. I've finished radiotherapy for now, last Thursday. And in my naivety I thought, 'well that's great.'"
She explained that while she initially felt well, severe symptoms began over the weekend. She said: "More often than not, I've done really well. Sometimes feeling a bit poorly and etcetera, but not too bad at all. This weekend, oh my god, I've felt dreadful. My skin on my chest and everywhere is now so sore."
To relieve the discomfort, Callard has applied various topical treatments. She said: "I'm putting all sorts of things on. Aloe vera, loads of lotions and potions, and I've been so nauseous, and almost like morning sickness. I've only been sick a couple of times, but I feel dizzy, I feel worn out. To be honest, I'm in shock."
Callard recalled advice from healthcare workers and another patient. She said: "It's funny because a nurse did say to me, 'It's not actually over,' she said. 'Really, it's the beginning when you sort of finish your treatment.' So I understand what she meant now, and another lady said to me, 'Beverley, you're still cooking,' and I understand that now as well."
Describing her physical sensations, Callard noted that her skin felt extremely hot. She said: "My skin is so hot, and it feels hot inside as well. So I'm coping, and I'm trying hard, but I do have to rest a lot, so I'm going to research vitamins and health foods. I am eating healthily, although my appetite is gone."
She concluded her video message by encouraging others undergoing treatment to be gentle with themselves. She said: "But yeah, I'm going to do lots of research. So anybody else going through it, just remember, don't expect too much of yourself."
Breast cancer global impact and statistics
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting more than two million women each year. In the UK, more than 55,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, and the disease claims 11,500 lives. In the US, breast cancer affects 266,000 women each year and kills 40,000.
The disease originates from a cancerous cell developing in the lining of a breast duct or lobule. When cancer cells spread into surrounding tissue, it is classified as invasive breast cancer. Cases where no cancer cells grow beyond the duct or lobule are diagnosed as carcinoma in situ.
Most cases develop in individuals over age 50, though younger women are sometimes affected. Breast cancer can also develop in men, although male cases are rare.
Staging indicates the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Stage 1 is the earliest stage, while stage 4 means the cancer has spread to another part of the body. Cancerous cells are graded from low for slow growth to high for fast growth, with high grade cancers being more likely to return after initial treatment.
Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis
A cancerous tumour starts from a single abnormal cell. The exact reason a cell becomes cancerous is unclear, but damage or alterations to cell genes cause abnormal cells to multiply out of control. Risk factors such as genetics can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The standard first symptom is a painless lump in the breast, although most breast lumps are fluid-filled benign cysts. Breast cancer usually spreads first to lymph nodes in the armpit, causing a swelling or lump in the armpit.
Doctors begin diagnosis with a physical examination of the breasts and armpits, followed by a mammogram special X-ray. A biopsy removes a small tissue sample to check under a microscope for abnormal cells and confirm or rule out cancer.
If cancer is confirmed, further diagnostic tests such as blood tests, a liver ultrasound scan, or a chest X-ray determine whether the disease has spread.
Treatment options and support resources
Treatment plans often combine multiple options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone treatments. Surgical options include breast-conserving surgery or full removal of the affected breast, depending on tumour size.
Radiotherapy applies high energy radiation beams to cancerous tissue to kill cells or stop multiplication, primarily following surgery. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill or restrict cancer cells. Hormone treatments lower female oestrogen levels or block oestrogen action for cancers stimulated by the hormone.
The outlook is most positive when cancer is diagnosed early before spreading. Surgical removal at an early stage provides a strong chance of cure, and routine mammography for women aged 50 to 71 helps detect cancers early.
For additional information, support resources are available at breastcancernow.org or through the free helpline on 0808 800 6000.
