TV Star's Candid Health Revelation
Beloved television presenter Davina McCall has bravely disclosed her recent breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery in an emotional Instagram video. The 58-year-old broadcaster shared her personal health journey to emphasise the critical importance of regular checks and early detection.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
McCall revealed she first noticed a suspicious lump several weeks ago that seemed to 'come and go', initially causing uncertainty about its significance. The turning point came while she was working on ITV's Lorraine programme, where she encountered posters urging women to 'check your breasts' on the backs of toilet doors.
'Every time I went for a wee I did that,' McCall explained in her heartfelt social media post. 'It was still there, and then one morning I saw myself in the mirror and thought: "I'm going to get that looked at."'
This moment of self-awareness prompted immediate action. McCall underwent a biopsy that confirmed the presence of breast cancer, leading to a lumpectomy procedure nearly three weeks ago to remove the affected tissue.
A Positive Prognosis and Treatment Plan
The former Big Brother host described feeling 'incredibly lucky' that the cancer was detected at an early stage. 'It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early, which is incredibly lucky,' she shared. 'But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn't spread.'
Medical tests confirmed that her lymph nodes remained clear, meaning no additional nodes required removal. McCall's treatment plan now includes five days of radiotherapy in January, which she characterises as 'an insurance policy' to ensure complete recovery.
In her message, McCall delivered crucial advice based on her personal experience, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. 'I had a mammogram in August, and I was postponing the ultrasound. I just couldn't find time to do it. Don't do that,' she urged. 'Get the ultrasound if you're due one.'
The presenter expressed profound gratitude to the medical team at the Royal Marsden hospital, along with her family and partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas. 'Thanks to my family, to my brilliant kids, and an extra special thanks to Michael. It's been a lot,' she acknowledged.
McCall's emotional journey included initial anger upon diagnosis, but she has since found a more positive mindset. 'I was very angry when I found out, but I let go of that and I feel in a much more positive place now,' she revealed.
This health challenge follows McCall's surgery last November for a rare benign brain tumour, known as a colloid cyst, discovered during a health checkup related to her menopause advocacy work. She described that craniotomy procedure as 'the hardest thing' she had ever endured.
The television personality has become a prominent voice in women's health discussions, having presented documentaries on contraception and menopause. Her bestselling book Menopausing, co-authored with Dr Naomi Potter, earned the prestigious British Book Awards 2023 overall book of the year honour.
McCall's powerful concluding message resonates with simple yet life-saving advice: 'Get checked if you're worried, check yourself regularly. If you are due a mammogram, then get it done.'
