Jane Fallon Diagnosed With Early-Stage Breast Cancer After Routine Screening

Jane Fallon has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, despite experiencing no symptoms prior to the discovery.

The bestselling novelist and long-time partner of comedian Ricky Gervais shared the news with her followers on social media, explaining that the condition was detected during a routine mammogram shortly before Christmas.

According to Fallon, the cancer was identified at a very early stage and doctors have assured her that the prognosis is positive.

Cancer Discovered During Routine Check

Explaining why she had been less active online in recent weeks, Fallon said the diagnosis came unexpectedly after attending a standard screening appointment.

In a message to her followers, she wrote:

“So… I thought I should post something as a few people noticed I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately. About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully and the prognosis is excellent.

“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms, but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy and sent me for further tests and eventually a biopsy.”

Undergoing Further Tests Ahead of Surgery

Following the initial screening, Fallon has undergone several additional examinations, including further mammograms, biopsies and an MRI scan to allow doctors to identify the affected area as precisely as possible.

She admitted the process had been overwhelming but confirmed that surgery has already been scheduled.

“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.

“My surgery is scheduled for the week after next and I just want to get it over with now.”

Despite the challenges, Fallon reassured fans that she is receiving excellent medical care and remains optimistic about her recovery.

“I’m getting incredible care and all will be fine, but I’m not engaging with much beyond audiobooks and jigsaws to be honest.”

A Long Career in Television and Writing

Fallon, 65, has enjoyed a successful career as both a novelist and television producer. Earlier in her career she worked on several notable British television programmes, including EastEnders, Teachers and This Life.

She has since become a bestselling author, publishing numerous popular novels over the past two decades.

Relationship With Ricky Gervais

Fallon has been in a relationship with Gervais since 1982, and the couple have remained together for more than four decades.

Reflecting on the early stages of their careers during a recent podcast appearance, Fallon spoke about her determination to build a future for them both.

“I was always saying, ‘I’m going to get us out of this. I’m going to work my way out of this.’ I felt I was on the rung of the ladder I wanted to be on,” she said.

“Once I got a proper route into television, I knew it was something I would love and could build a career around.”

She added that Gervais had not yet decided on a career path at the time but was supportive of her ambitions.

“Ricky didn’t really know what he wanted to do then. He was just pleased for me because I was helping us get out of the difficult situation we were in.”

Although the couple have never married, they have frequently spoken openly about their decision, describing their relationship as effectively the same as marriage without a formal ceremony.