Strictly’s Shirley Ballas thanks the NHS after health scare

Shirley Ballas has opened up about the terrifying moment she thought she might have breast cancer.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 57, shared a candid post to Instagram to reveal she went for a regular check-up at the doctors but she was sent to hospital for a mammogram, after the doctor wasn’t happy with what she felt and saw in her breast.

@nhs_inc I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to the NHS. I had a routine check at the doctors and she was not happy with what she felt and saw in my breast. Immediately sent me to Clatterbridge hospital for a mammogram and ultra sound. I urge all women particularly over 50 to get checked. We go about our daily lives always busy and sometimes ignoring our body. If something changes externally or you have any discomfort at all it’s your body telling you “take care of me ” DONT PUT IT OFF. Early detection is key to getting better. I have Cancer in my family line so I will be being vigilant ,, To all the beautiful women out there young and old get checked regularly. We have one beautiful body we need to keep it well taken care of. Thank you again to the NHS for being so marvelous. #gratitude #NHS [email protected]. #breastcancer #takecare #selfcare #nationalhealthservice #yourbody

A post shared by Shirley Ballas (@shirleyballas) on Jul 18, 2018 at 2:30am PDT

Read more: Shirley Ballas backs same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing

Shirley shared a photo of a TLC (Touch, Look, Check) poster which listed information about how to spot symptoms of breast cancer on it.

Alongside the pic, she directly thanked the NHS.

She said: “I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to the NHS.

“I had a routine check at the doctors and she was not happy with what she felt and saw in my breast.

“Immediately sent me to Clatterbridge hospital for a mammogram and ultra sound.”

The ballroom dancer went on to urge “all women” to get their breasts checked.

She continued: “I urge all women particularly over 50 to get checked. We go about our daily lives always busy and sometimes ignoring our body.

“If something changes externally or you have any discomfort at all it’s your body telling you ‘take care of me’.

“DONT PUT IT OFF. Early detection is key to getting better.”

Shirley explained that she had cancer in her family so she’s always been “vigilant” of her own body.

She added: “To all the beautiful women out there young and old get checked regularly. We have one beautiful body we need to keep it well taken care of.”

The star then thanked the NHS again for being “so marvelous”.

Fans flooded the star with comments of support.

Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook

One person said: “True words. I’m so glad your OK!” while another wrote: “Oh my gosh Shirley I’m so glad you’re okay! But you’re absolutely right in everything you said there.”

Meanwhile, Shirley is getting ready to return as head judge on the new series of BBC’s Strictly.

The show will air sometime this autumn.

Can you relate to Shirley’s comments? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!