Steph McGovern was overcome with emotion while receiving a mammogram live on air on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch.
The noon show broadcast a special episode about cancer, with the host aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The 41-year-old television star had a mammography in a breast screening van parked outside the show’s Leeds studio. Throughout the procedure, she emphasised the significance of scheduling an examination.
She said: ‘I should say, as well, the tears in my eyes are not because this is in any way painful. It’s really not. It’s the magnitude of it all, you’re saving lives by doing this.
‘I mean, it is uncomfortable, but that is not painful at all. Honestly, it’s like someone just squeezing you.
‘This technology is so important for saving lives and actually the reality is you come in, you’ll meet someone lovely at reception, you get a nice private place to change, and you go through this and it takes minutes, and that’s it done.’
Steph later revealed in the studio that she had lost a friend to breast cancer.
‘It is hard to talk about, you could see me then getting emotional because I was remembering the person I lost, a close friend,’ she emotionally shared.
Steph described the late friend as someone ‘who helped me get to where I am in my career and even starting sets me off.’
She added: ‘It’s so deep and emotional.’
Fear, anxiety and embarrassment are some of the main barriers preventing women from going for their breast screening.
To demystify and demonstrate what to expect, @StephLunch was examined live on today's #StephsPackedLunch #TalkingAboutCancer pic.twitter.com/5gLAvHuYdq
— Steph's Packed Lunch (@PackedLunchC4) June 26, 2023
The special episode also featured cancer survivors and those currently undergoing treatment.
Kelsey Parker, the widow of The Wanted star Tom Parker, also spoke up about losing her husband to fatal brain cancer at the age of 33.
Colin McFarlane, the actor who played Batman in Batman Begins, also appeared to discuss his recent prostate cancer diagnosis.
Who is invited for breast screenings by the NHS?
On the NHS website, it states: ‘Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.’
The national health service continues: ‘You’ll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you’ll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.
‘If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
‘You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.’
It adds: ‘See a GP if you have any symptom of breast cancer. Even if you have recently had a clear breast screening.
‘Do not wait for your next breast screening appointment.’
Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays at 12pm on Channel 4.
Source My Celebrity Life.
