Dr Punam Krishan made her return to BBC Morning Live on Friday, sharing an emotional update after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. The GP and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant joined presenters Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, who herself returned to the show just 12 weeks after giving birth.
During the interview, Dr Krishan explained that she had gone public with her diagnosis on Instagram earlier in the week, hoping her experience could offer comfort to others. She revealed that trusting her instinct prompted her to seek medical attention, and her doctor later told her that waiting six months 'could have been a different picture'.
Dr Krishan reassured viewers: 'I don't want anyone worrying, I'm through my treatment, I'm ok. I'm well, I'm healing.' She reflected on the shock of hearing the diagnosis five months ago, saying: 'In a second your life and the reality as you know it changes.' Despite being a doctor for over 20 years, she noted that nothing prepares you to receive such news.
She stressed the importance of early detection, stating: 'My consultant said to me “six months down the line we would have been looking at a very different picture.” ... Early detection saves lives.' Dr Krishan also paid tribute to the NHS, her husband, family, and friends for their support, and credited time outdoors with her dog Simba for aiding her recovery.
As a mother of two, she expressed empathy for parents facing a diagnosis, saying: 'It's hard to navigate it but if you have young children it adds another layer because you don't have the luxury of falling apart.' She insisted she would not let her diagnosis define her, adding: 'I'm still Punam.' Looking ahead, she said she looks forward to returning to work with a newfound understanding for her patients.
