Bestselling author Jane Fallon has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer – despite showing no symptoms.
Fallon, who has been in a relationship with comedian Ricky Gervais for over 40 years, shared the news today – admitting she had been ‘a bit quiet lately’.
Writing on Instagram, she said: ‘So… I thought I should post something as I’ve had a few people notice I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately.
‘About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent.
‘I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.
‘Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie.’
The 65-year-old went on to say her surgery was scheduled for the week after next, adding she ‘just wants to get it over with now’.
‘I’m getting incredible care and all will be fine but I’m not engaging with much beyond audiobooks & jigsaws tbh. Dr Eric on duty. Nurse Pickle wondering when lunch is,’ she said.
Fallon’s career started out in television – before the publication of her bestselling book, Getting Rid Of Matthew, in 2007.
Since then she has released 14 books – with Worst. Idea. Ever, Faking Friends, Just Got Real and Queen Bee among her most widely acclaimed titles.
Harrow-born Fallon began her relationship with Mr Gervais in 1982 – after meeting him while they both studied at University College London.
The couple are said to have moved in together in 1984 and they currently reside in Hampstead, west London, with their beloved pets.
Fans have expressed their condolences towards Fallon – saying they are ‘sorry’ to hear the news, but noting it is fortunate the cancer was ‘caught early’.
One person said: ‘So sorry to hear this but thankfully caught early. The success rates are so good these days and you are in the best hands. X.’
Another added: ‘Sending positive energy and thoughts your way.’
A third said: ‘Jane I am so sorry to hear this, please take care, cuddle Pickle a lot more and make Ricky eat more sprouts lol, hope all goes well with surgery and recovery, hugs.’
Earlier this year, Fallon offered a glimpse into her personal life – admitting she has no regrets about her decision not to have children.
She said: ‘When I was little, you know the cliche of a little girl is they imagine their wedding day and their wedding dress… it was none of that, ever.
‘I would think about getting a dog or something. It was always about work and my life. I would think about the flat that I would live in and stuff like that.
‘But I was never into that kind of romance stuff.’
Fallon admitted her anxiety would have made her an overbearing mother, comparing herself to one of her sisters who she praised for finding the perfect balance raising her children.
‘I’m a real catastrophist… I assume the worst,’ she confessed.
Fallon and her husband have also been vocal about their decision not to marry.
Mr Gervais previously stated: ‘We are married for all intents and purposes, everything’s shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one.
‘But there’s no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God.’
