Taskmaster Comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri Reveals Secret Cancer Battle and Surgical Menopause
Popular Taskmaster comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri has bravely disclosed her private health struggle, revealing she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent major surgery last year. The 44-year-old star shared her emotional journey in a candid Instagram post, detailing how the experience has profoundly changed her life.
Cancer Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention
El-Ghorri's health ordeal began in February 2025 when she underwent a transvaginal scan during a routine check-up. The results showed something abnormal in her womb, prompting urgent further tests. "The GP said that the scan showed something abnormal in my womb and I would need to undergo further tests urgently," she explained to her followers.
Following the concerning results, doctors recommended a precautionary hysterectomy to remove any potential cancer. El-Ghorri made the difficult decision to have her ovaries removed simultaneously during the procedure performed in May 2025. "I knew that if it was cancer and I still had my ovaries, I'd need chemo and more possible surgery," she revealed about her reasoning.
The surgery confirmed she had stage 1 endometrial cancer. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread beyond her womb, allowing doctors to remove it completely without requiring chemotherapy or additional treatment.
The Greater Challenge: Surgical Menopause
While the cancer diagnosis and surgery were traumatic, El-Ghorri emphasized that the subsequent medical menopause has been even more challenging. The removal of her ovaries plunged her into immediate menopause, bringing symptoms she describes as life-altering.
"People think the menopause is hot flushes and mood swings but it's so much more than that," she wrote. "It's low mood, vaginal dryness (to the point where it's painful), change in appetite, dry skin, change in hair, depression, memory problems – to name just a few!"
The comedian stressed the seriousness of menopause symptoms, stating: "We have to do more, menopause ain't a joke. It changes your life forever, physically, mentally and hormonally."
Recovery Struggles and Emotional Impact
El-Ghorri underwent keyhole surgery, leaving her with five incisions across her abdomen. The recovery process proved extremely difficult, with basic functions becoming impossible tasks. "Post surgery was really hard. I couldn't do anything for myself," she shared. "Basic stuff was impossible like sitting upright, coughing, sneezing, laughing and going to the toilet."
The physical limitations extended for months, with the comedian unable to bend at the waist until Christmas. She described feeling helpless and initially experiencing shame about her condition. "I felt so helpless and this made me feel ashamed. I didn't want to tell anyone outside of my chosen people what had happened to me," she confessed.
Ultimately, El-Ghorri sought private medical care during her cancer journey and has now chosen to speak publicly to raise awareness about both endometrial cancer and the realities of surgical menopause. Her openness provides a powerful insight into the hidden struggles many women face with reproductive health issues and their lasting consequences.
