Sarah Beeny has reminded women of the importance of early diagnosis a year into her own breast cancer journey.

The TV presenter, 51, was diagnosed with the disease in August last year, but having undergone a double mastectomy and chemotherapy was given the all-clear in April this year.

This morning Beeny appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss life since her diagnosis and told hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls that despite a "difficult year" she feels "very lucky".

"Difficult things have happened to me all my life," she said. "And the way I handle those is to use it as the compost for the next stage of success. It isn't always easy but I'm glad it isn't always easy because that teaches you that light and shade is what you need in life."

The property expert went on to say that while the year has been a "little bit gruelling" she now feels "very fortunate".

"I'm very lucky to live in the UK with the amazing treatment and research and to be in the year it is and not 40 years ago," she says. "I know that other people aren't as fortunate as me, but I feel that speaking out about it might just make one person go to the doctor and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome."

Earlier this year Beeny shared more about her experiences in Channel 4 documentary exploring past, present and future of breast cancer treatment in the UK

Viewers got to follow the presenter during key turning points such as the empowering decision to enlist her sons to help her cut all her hair off, investigating her late mother's medical notes, the realities of chemotherapy, continuing to work during her illness and having a double mastectomy.

Also helping to raise breast cancer awareness is Anne Diamond who revealed earlier this year she had been diagnosed with the condition.

The GB News presenter, 68, said she had received the diagnosis the same day as finding out she was to be awarded an OBE.

Speaking to GB News’ the broadcaster shared that she had undergone a double mastectomy [as well as radiotherapy].

Other celebrities who have discussed their own cancer experiences and encouraged others to check their breasts include Kelly Hoppen, who missed eight years of mammograms, and Deidre Sanders, who shared last year that she had been diagnosed with high grade ductal carcinoma in situ after missing a routine mammogram.

Breast cancer symptoms

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. According to charity Coppafeel!, symptoms include:

• Changes in skin texture (including puckering and dimpling)

• Swelling of the armpit and around the collarbone

• Lumps and thickening around the breast

• Constant or unusual pain in the breast or armpit

• Nipple discharge

• A sudden or unusual change in size or shape

• Nipple inversion or nipples that change direction

• A rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding areas

Types of breast cancer

There are several different types of breast cancer, but the NHS divides them into two categories.

Non-invasive breast cancer (carcinoma in situ)

This refers to cancer found in the ducts of the breast which has not spread into the breast tissue surrounding them. It is usually found during a mammogram and rarely shows as a lump.

Invasive breast cancer

This refers to cancer cells that have spread into the breast tissue and is the most common type of breast cancer.

Breast cancer risk factors

Age

Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50 who have been through menopause.

Family history

People whose close relatives have had breast cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.

Hormones

Oestrogen can sometimes stimulate breast cancer cells, and the risk of developing breast cancer may increase slightly with the amount of oestrogen your body is exposed to.

Lifestyle factors

Certain lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or obese and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Radiation

Exposure to radiation, for example through medical treatments, can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

When to get help for breast cancer symptoms

If you do feel something, you don't necessarily need to be alarmed, as breast changes can happen for any reason, with most lumps not being cancerous.

However, if you experience unusual breast changes and you're not sure of the cause, it's important to book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible to rule out breast cancer.

Early detection

It is important to see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, even if you are feeling well.

In order to catch these changes, people are encouraged to do monthly breast self-examinations and schedule regular breast exams and mammograms if you are eligible.

How to check your breasts

The NHS recommends looking at your breasts and feeling each breast and armpit, up to your collarbone. This might be easier to do in the bath or shower, using soapy water to make the process a little easier.

Alternatively, you could look in the mirror, swapping between having your arms by your side and having them raised.

Before checking, it's important to remember that everyone's breasts are different, whether you might be on your period (which can make them tender and lumpy), post-menopause (which can make them feel softer) or have one larger than the other.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a five-point plan:

• Know what's normal for you

• Look at your breasts and feel them

• Know what changes to look for

• Report any changes without delay

• Attend your routine screening if you're 50 or over

Breast cancer treatments

Surgery

There are two main types of breast cancer surgery. Breast-conserving surgery is where the cancerous tumour is removed, while a mastectomy is where the whole breast is removed.

Radiotherapy

Controlled doses of radiation are used to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually given after surgery and chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

This treatment involves taking an anti-cancer medicine to kill cancer cells, usually administered through a drip straight into a vein. However, it can also be given in tablet form.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy lowers the levels of oestrogen or progesterone hormones in the body to stop them from stimulating cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery and chemotherapy, and most people will have to take it for five years or more after surgery.

For support you can call Breast Cancer Now on 0808 800 6000.