Ali Bastian has been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer

The mum said she went to the doctor after discovering a lump in her breast.

She believed it was mastitis but the doctor gave her antibiotics and encouraged her to go to the breast clinic if it didn't clear up.

Ali said the diagnosis has been a total shock for her and her family, but she's receiving incredible treatment.

She told the publication: "It was a total shock. I have mornings when I wake up and I’ve forgotten… and then suddenly I remember. I’m still trying to process it."

The mum was told the news over the phone because she doesn't live near to the clinic.

She shared: "We agreed that I would text her and that she would then call me back. I could hear it in the tone of her voice but she told me in the kindest way possible. She was very reassuring. She said the words that I’m holding on to, that they have ‘intent to cure me’."

British actress Ali is currently based in West Cork but questioned whether she should return to London for treatment.

Ali is being treated at a Cork hospital

The actress is being cared for at the Orchid Centre at Cork University Hospital.

She said the staff at the hospital have helped reassured her following the diagnosis.

"I rang my doctor back and said, ‘What should I do? Should I go back to London?’ And she said, ‘I don’t want you to worry about that. The Irish will take care of you.’

"I feel like they’re treating me like one of their own. It’s like I’ve been scooped up. I’ve been blown away by the care and kindness," she added.

Ali will have chemotherapy for around five months. Following her chemotherapy, Ali will also undergo radiotherapy as well as a mastectomy.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

It's extremely important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, no matter what your age.

You should visit your GP if you notice any of the following:

• a lump in your breast or armpit
• swelling or a lump in the armpit
• a change or size in shape of your breasts
• lumpiness or thickening
• dimpling or puckering of your skin - it will look similar to orange peel
• newly inverted (turned-in) nipples
• bloodstained discharge from the nipple
• a rash, on the nipple or surrounding area - this can look like eczema

It is easier to treat breast cancer if it is found early so doing regular self-examinations is essential.

There are multiple causes for breast lumps but it's important to seek medical help if you notice something irregular, even if you don't think it's something serious.

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