Lisa Riley plays the iconic character Mandy Dingle on ITV soap Emmerdale.

Mandy was involved in a breast cancer storyline last year, which explored family history and genetics, and sex and intimacy after cancer. In this episode, Lisa tells us about the research and collaboration with Breast Cancer Now behind the scenes to get the details of the storyline right.

Lisa also sadly lost her mum to breast cancer in 2012. She opens up about how that affected her mental health and why she made the choice to live her life without undergoing genetic testing. Lisa also shares how she lives her life with positivity and humour in the face of adversity, and the importance of her work with Breast Cancer Now as Ambassador of the charity.

You can follow Lisa Riley on Instagram @lisajaneriley

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Find out more about being breast aware with TLC.

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website breastcancernow.org or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

00:09 Laura's thoughts on the episode ahead

01:42 Introducing Lisa Riley

02:42 Lisa talks about her mum Cath's breast cancer diagnosis

06:01 Cath's hair loss experience

06:58 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis

09:50 Cath's attitude towards her illness

13:32 How losing her mum affected Lisa

18:48 Lisa turns to family and friends to cope with her loss

21:01 Remembering Cath and continuing her legacy

23:41 Lisa reflects on 30 years of Emmerdale

26:00 Outlining Emmerdale's recent breast cancer storyline

26:58 Getting the details of breast cancer right in a soap

31:02 Discussing the BAFTA nomination for the breast cancer storyline

34:20 Lisa speaks about her decision not to be tested for breast cancer gene mutations

38:13 How Emmerdale's breast cancer storyline affected Lisa

43:01 Lisa's anxiety around having scans

44:42 The importance of being breast and body aware

49:42 How Lucy and Lisa prepared for Emmerdale's breast cancer storyline

52:18 The role of a soap opera dealing with serious issues like breast cancer

56:31 Lisa discusses where she draws the line between her public and private life

58:38 Lisa's work with Breast Cancer Now and the Wear It Pink fundraising campaign

1:04:37 How to get involved with fundraising for Breast Cancer Now

1:06:06 Why Lisa supports Breast Cancer Now

1:07:40 What it means to Lisa Riley to live well