EastEnders is partnering with Breast Cancer Now to ensure the storyline is sensitive and accurate, while promoting awareness about early diagnosis and breast checks.

Sam undergoes a lumpectomy to remove the lump and is expected to make a full recovery thanks to early detection, with scenes airing in the new year.

The plot traces Sam’s journey from considering medical advice to diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the importance of seeking medical help for breast changes.

Sam Mitchell is a longtime EastEnders character, daughter of Peggy Mitchell and sister to Phil and Grant, with past actors including Danniella Westbrook and Kim Medcalf, who is currently reprising the role.

Sam first appeared in 1990, with prior stints in the early 2000s and a return in 2022; the current storyline marks her on-screen return after January.

Context on the character: Sam is Peggy Mitchell’s daughter and the sister of Phil and Grant, portrayed by different actors across the years.

Kim Medcalf returns to screens in December as Sam, with family noticing erratic behavior and urging her to seek medical advice.

The executive producer and a charity representative emphasize delivering a health-focused message and an authentic portrayal of cancer experiences.

Executive producer Ben Wadey highlights that early detection enables successful treatment and stresses the importance of support from family and friends to encourage medical help.

Wadey notes the aim to depict a realistic, early-diagnosis scenario that underscores timely medical action.

He also stresses the precision of the portrayal and the benefits of early detection for treatment success.