Ali Bastian has shared the news of her breast cancer diagnosis, revealing that she has been diagnosed with stage two cancer. The 42-year-old actress, known for her role on Hollyoaks from 2001 to 2007, discovered a lump while breastfeeding. “It was a total shock,” Bastian told OK! Magazine. “I have mornings when I wake up and I’ve forgotten… and then suddenly I remember. I’m still trying to process it.”
Initially suspecting a blocked duct, Bastian sought medical attention after a course of antibiotics failed to resolve the issue. She is currently living in Ireland with her husband, David O’Mahony, and their two children, Isabella, 19 months, and Isla, four.
Bastian disclosed that she is undergoing chemotherapy as part of her treatment, along with plans for a single mastectomy and radiotherapy. “It wasn’t clearing up and the more I felt it, the more it felt like this wasn’t just a blocked duct,” she said. “I went to my GP and I said, ‘Actually, can I go to the clinic now?’ and she was very supportive of that.”
She also expressed reassurance after her diagnosis, noting that the doctor has a “strong intent to cure” her. In addition to her medical treatment, Bastian is seeing a psychologist who specializes in oncology.
Regarding her family, Bastian has shared an age-appropriate version of her diagnosis with her daughter. “She knows that Mummy had a pain in her boob, she was with me when I went to the emergency doctor,” Bastian explained. “We told her that I’m going to take some strong medicine that is making it better and that Mummy’s going to have a crazy haircut for a bit, and it will make me tired sometimes.”
Despite her health challenges, Bastian is eager to return to acting. Reflecting on her diagnosis, she mentioned a recent moment of inspiration. “After my diagnosis, I went on Instagram and saw a post by my friend Dominic Power, my former co-star in The Bill, and I could see he was on set in Hollyoaks. I suddenly had a real pang of, ‘I want to look into an actor’s eyes and do a scene.’ I really miss it.”
