Actress Ali Bastian has issued an emotional cancer update one year after undergoing a mastectomy.
The former Hollyoaks star, who played the role of Becca Dean on the Channel 4 soap opera, announced she had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in September 2024. She discovered the news after finding a lump while breastfeeding her baby.
In March, she shared the incredible news that she was cancer-free. And now, 12 months following her operation, Ali has penned a touching statement with her fans.
In an Instagram post shared 16 hours ago (January 6), Ali shared a series of selfies of herself, one of which included her lying in a hospital bed.
View this post on Instagram
Ali Bastian issues emotional cancer update
Within her lengthy caption, the 43-year-old wrote: “A year ago today, I had my mastectomy. I don’t want to paint some rosey picture of survivorship as anyone who has been through this or is going through this knows it’s a hell of a ride. We learn to walk with both fear and hope… as with other kinds of grief and trauma, much as we wish it would, it doesn’t just go away… but slowly & gently, space opens up to begin to experience joy and fun and pleasure in the simplest of things. Unconditional love, kindness, support and understanding remain essential as we ever so slowly and tentatively come out of crisis mode and into coping with the day-to-day, things that once felt easy… foggy and fatiguing… there is grief in that too.”
Ali explained that she is “forever changed for sure” but “not even sure” in what way. She revealed the last photo in her carousel post “was the evening of my surgery, after 6 months of chemo. Bald as an egg”.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so beaten up,” she continued.
“I remember being in the recovery room and a little voice in my head said, ‘just wiggle your toes and do your deep breaths….’ That was my lifeline for a while… toes and breath.. then later ‘get out of bed and do a little walk, just to the loo and back.’ The next day the physio came and it was exercises to focus on, those were the building blocks.. the little wins.. sometimes all you can focus on is what is right in front of you and somehow it gets your through.”
‘The relief is real’
Now that a year has passed, Ali said, “The relief is real”.
As she documented her new “hair makeover”, Ali said she “had a wonderful moment last week” where she “went to see my wonderful hair consultant”.
Following the touching post, Ali’s followers rushed to the comments section to offer their support.
‘What a strong, brave woman you are’
“You look amazing. I love how you keep everything real x,” one user wrote.
“Well done Ali, eloquently said – it really is quite the ride/journey. You look amazing,” another person shared.
“It’s been a year since my breast cancer diagnosis too, you have helped me. You are one brave lady. Wishing you a happy 2026! X,” a third remarked.
“You look absolutely beautiful, what a strong, brave woman you are,” a fourth said.
Read more: Ali Bastian announces death of her beloved mum following ’short terrible illness’
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