Iconic EastEnders character to be diagnosed with breast cancer in emotional storyline
A legendary EastEnders character will be diagnosed with breast cancer in an upcoming emotional storyline.
EastEnders' Sam Mitchell is set to be diagnosed with breast cancer in an emotional storyline.
In December, the feisty character - played by Kim Medcalf - returns to Walford with worry after finding a lump in her breast.
Her initial reluctance to get it checked does not last long as Sam's erratic behaviour sparks concern with her family.
Sam's ex-partner Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), his lover Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and her brother Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) encourage her to go to the doctors.
Sam gets her breast examined by doctors - with results later confirming that she has breast cancer.
Thankfully, the headstrong businesswoman detected the disease - which is one of the most common cancers that affects women - early, and has the lump removed via a lumpectomy in scenes that air in the New Year.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, said: "Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast, but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year."
The storyline highlights the importance for women to check themselves and to seek professional medical advice when they notice a change in their breasts.
EastEnders worked with charity Breast Cancer Now, as well as experts in the field, to ensure Sam's storyline is handled accurately and sensitively.
Ben, 31, added: “It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.”
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's portrayed authentically.
"We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved.
"As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP."
Kim, 51, recently shared her delight at reprising her role as Sam this Christmas for a "short stint".
She said: "It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period, and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks.
"I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side, too, which is great to play.
"It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces."
