Davina McCall has made a devastating admission about her health, revealing that her cancer diagnosis felt like a "punch in the throat" after a terrible few months. The upbeat presenter candidly discussed her emotional and physical struggles during an interview on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston.
Double Health Blow for Davina McCall
In late 2024, Davina, 58, disclosed that a rare benign brain tumour, known as a colloid cyst, had been discovered during a health check related to her menopause advocacy work. She underwent surgery for this condition, hoping that 2025 would focus on her recovery. However, just two months after a mammogram in August, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October, almost exactly two years after her initial brain tumour discovery.
Speaking to Jamie Theakston, Davina expressed her shock, saying, "It was just quite a difficult year, and in October, interestingly two years almost to the month where I found out I had a brain tumour, I got breast cancer, and it felt like being punched in the face by the universe." She emphasised the importance of regular checks, urging listeners not to assume safety after recent screenings, as she found a lump shortly after her mammogram.
Post-Surgery Struggles and Memory Issues
Following her brain surgery, Davina experienced severe memory problems that she compared to Alzheimer's symptoms. She recounted, "[My memory] was absolutely mad. I thought I had advanced Alzheimer's, I didn't know I had an operation, I thought I was in America because I was in a place called the Cleveland Clinic." Jamie Theakston admitted he was left confused and concerned by her statements at the time, with Davina now apologising for worrying him.
In a light-hearted yet revealing moment, she mentioned messaging her agent shortly after surgery to remind her she needed time off, highlighting the disorientation she faced. This period was compounded by Jamie's own health scare, as he was diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer in the same year, undergoing surgery but remaining anxious about a potential recurrence.
Advocacy and Awareness Message
Davina used her platform to spread a crucial message about health vigilance. She advised, "So just check, if you've got something, go get it looked at. It takes seconds." Her openness aims to encourage others to prioritise their health and not dismiss potential symptoms, especially after routine tests.
This candid discussion underscores the unpredictable nature of health challenges, even for public figures like Davina McCall, who continues to advocate for menopause awareness while navigating her own recovery journey.
