Television presenter Julia Bradbury has said she is now 'in the driving seat' of her health, five years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The 55-year-old underwent a single mastectomy in late 2021 to remove a 6cm tumour and has since prioritised self-care, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, meditation and gratitude.
Bradbury, who lives in London with partner Gerard Cunningham and their three children, said she completely changed her diet, cutting out gluten and alcohol and increasing her fibre intake to reduce inflammation. 'I've really taken charge of my health,' she explained, adding that she now aims to walk at least 10,000 steps daily and spends as much time as possible in nature.
The former Countryfile presenter admitted that her previous hectic schedule filming travel documentaries led to poor habits, such as erratic sleep and constant sugar consumption. She also recalled feeling dismissed by some medical professionals when raising lifestyle changes after her diagnosis, with one doctor telling her diet and drink choices were irrelevant during treatment.
Bradbury has also been living with endometriosis since 2006, which required surgery and caused a six-week absence from work. She recently underwent a pelvic MRI through Vista Health's 'Signs Of Clarity' campaign, which encourages people to heed their body's warning signs. The scan showed her womb was healthy, but she confessed to feeling anxious beforehand due to the possibility of recurrence.
Despite the challenges, Bradbury said growing older has given her confidence to advocate for herself and trust her instincts. She emphasised the importance of regular check-ups and maintaining well-being through physical activity and proper nutrition, with guidance from medical professionals.
