TV Anchor, 53, Says an ‘Inverted Nipple’ Led to Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis: ‘I Didn’t Think It Was Anything To Worry About’

"My immediate reaction when I was diagnosed was, 'I'm going to die,' but after 301 days of treatment, including a mastectomy and chemotherapy, I made a full recovery," she says. "The joy and happiness I felt at being alive was amazing."

Victoria Derbyshire's Breast Cancer Symptom

There are many symptoms of breast cancer, but for Victoria Derbyshire, now 53, it was an inverted nipple that led her down an internet rabbit hole.

"It was on a dark morning in 2015 that I Googled 'inverted nipple' as I was making a cup of tea, having spotted that my right breast looked different the night before," she says.

An Introduction to Breast Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

"At the time, I didn't think it was anything to worry about, but as soon as I saw the words 'breast cancer,' I knew that's what I had," she adds. "Trying to stay calm, I emailed Mark (her now husband), who was still asleep, asking him to make a GP appointment for me that afternoon, then I went to work as though everything was normal."

Derbyshire says the experience has given her a new outlook on life, and even a reimagined relationship with her now-husband, Mark.

Relationships & Cancer: When the One You Love is Sick

Victoria Derbyshire says that when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, she told her then-longtime partner Mark, "If we get through this I would like to get married, but I don't want you to do it if it's only because you feel sorry for me."

He obviously did not only "feel sorry" for her; the couple married in 2018 after 17 years together.

"It was brilliant having our boys there," Derbyshire says. "It was weird to finally start calling him my husband, but amazing to get married at 49. I feel more complete now."

Jill Kargman on Relationships and Cancer

It is incredibly important for cancer patients to have a strong support system when going through what is most likely one of the hardest times of their lives, and just being there can do wonders. Cancer is also an experience that can surely take an emotional toll on both the patient and the spouse, as well as their relationship.

This is something actress and melanoma survivor Jill Kargman can attest to as cancer was a true test of her relationship's strength. In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Kargman says the disease "is a great way to find out if you're with the love of your life or a shithead."

"I think it presses the fast-forward button on getting to the bottom of that answer, because a lot of people in middle age are kind of at a crossroads, waiting for their kids to fly the coop," Kargman says. "I think if you're with someone who is not supportive and kind of emotionally checked out or doesn't tell you you're still beautiful with that, this might not be your person."

Breast Cancer Symptoms

If you experience symptoms similar to Victoria Derbyshire, it is important to be just as proactive as she was: schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

But first, it is important to understand the symptoms of breast cancer:

• A new breast lump
• New swelling in one breast
• Changes in the nipple (such as puckering)
• Redness or flaking in the breast or nipple
• Discharge (including blood) from the nipple
• Pain in the breast

Handling Fear When You Get the Diagnosis

Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, says that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not delay a doctor's visit or screening. However, she says she has seen many patients who ignore their symptoms because they are scared.

"Very often, we will see patients with breast masses that have been ignored for years because they're terrified, or maybe they're taking care of so many other people in their life that they don't have the space to take care of themselves," Dr. Comen tells SurvivorNet.

But fear is normal.

"I welcome the fear because once we know that they're afraid, then we can help tease out what they are really afraid of," she adds.

But do not let that fear delay a screening if you feel you have breast cancer symptoms. Do as Victoria Derbyshire and schedule a doctor's appointment as soon as possible.

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