Dr Philippa Kaye, a regular on This Morning, has admitted to “struggling” months after receiving cancer treatment. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the GP and journalist addressed her followers directly.
“I am struggling… with the changes to my body from cancer,” she wrote. “It isn't the scars, those are the tattoos of my battles. They tell the story of how resilient my body can be. It is the other changes. From the premature menopause from treatment and now my ovaries have been surgically removed. Despite being on HRT [hormone replacement therapy], there are changes.”
Visible changes
She continued: “My hair is thinner. My skin changed with more wrinkles and dark marks. My body is softer despite exercise. I see the changes everywhere.” Noting that she was “grateful to be here,” the TV star concluded, “I know it is vain but sometimes I want to look in the mirror and see the person I was before. Sometimes.”
Following the post, Philippa received an outpouring of support. Myleene Klass replied: “Thank you for sharing your immense vulnerability and strength therein. You're one amazing human.” One fan wrote: “It's ok to miss the person you were, but remember, you are an incredibly brave woman who is beautiful inside and out! The scars are part of your difficult journey and you truly are an inspiration to everyone!” Another added: “I totally get what you are saying. Thank you for articulating it so well.”
Cancer journey
Philippa, who has spoken openly about her cancer journey, was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer in 2019 at the age of 39. She detailed the experience in her memoir, Doctors Get Cancer Too (2021). After chemotherapy and a 12-hour surgery to remove a final cancer lesion, she was declared cancer-free in 2020.
In March, the 46-year-old announced she had undergone a hysterectomy after learning of a “cancer risk.” A month later, she told fans the surgery was “successful” but that she was “so tired” of post-cancer complications and still experiencing “ongoing bowel and other issues.”
