EastEnders confirms cancer diagnosis for Sam Mitchell as Kim Medcalf returns for "important" storyline
A heartbreaking return story for the character.
**Warning: Contains spoilers for an upcoming storyline involving Kim Medcalf's return as Sam Mitchell.**
EastEnders has confirmed a heartbreaking story for returning Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), as she is diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump.
The character's comeback for a brief stint was revealed earlier this month, and she is set to be on our screens within weeks.
While settling old scores with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), the Mitchell favourite is hiding her health fears and her behaviour soon spirals out of control.
Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and, latterly, brother Phil (Steve McFadden) urge her to seek medical attention, and the results come back positive.
Fortunately, having received an early diagnosis, she's able to make a full recovery after undergoing a lumpectomy in the New Year.
Viewers will follow Sam's journey throughout the festive period, as she fears the worst after losing mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor) to the disease in 2016.
With the soap working alongside Breast Cancer Now and experts in the field, they're hoping that it highlights the importance of checking your breasts for any changes and then speaking to professionals as early as possible.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey said on the storyline: “It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
"Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.”
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, added: "Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers. We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it's portrayed authentically.
"We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved.
"As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.”
Read more:
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- EastEnders airs shock passion for Zoe Slater following intriguing tormenter twist in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders 2025 Christmas preview: Four major returns as Max Branning bombshells implode in a face-off with Cindy Beale
- EastEnders star Alice Haig confirms aftermath of Vicki Fowler's shock kiss with Zack Hudson in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders airs shocking sacrifice following brutal death in BBC iPlayer release
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Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
