Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has opened up about the profound lifestyle changes she made following her breast cancer diagnosis, including giving up alcohol entirely. The 55-year-old broadcaster was diagnosed during the 2021 lockdown and underwent a single mastectomy to remove a tumour.
A Sobering Decision for Health
In a candid revelation, Bradbury stated she has completely eliminated alcohol from her life since her diagnosis. She explained that medical advice indicated every drink above a certain limit significantly raised her risk of the cancer returning. "If I drink more than four units of alcohol a week, my risk of recurrence goes up by 28 per cent," she shared. Despite the clear health motivation, Bradbury admits this personal choice has drawn unexpected criticism, with some people finding her decision "infuriating".
She addressed potential misunderstandings on social media, clarifying she does not blame individuals for their illness. "All I'm saying is, this is what I went through. It was a wake-up call," Bradbury explained. The experience compelled her to reassess her priorities, focusing more on sleep, emotional wellbeing, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Reining in a 'Fearless Streak' and Managing Stress
The diagnosis also forced Bradbury to confront her relentless pace of life. A doctor reframed her driven nature, telling her she was "running on a credit card" by constantly pushing through. "I realised you don't have to win every race. You don't have to overcome everything. I don't want to max out the credit card," she reflected. This insight came after years of operating with extremely high cortisol levels, which one medic described as akin to "being chased by a tiger all day."
Bradbury has since implemented a calmer, more balanced routine. She now practices breath work and meditation at first light each morning, meditates again at night, exercises daily, and keeps a journal. She also prioritises being present with her three children, Zephyr, 13, and ten-year-old twin daughters Xanthe and Zena.
Life After Cancer: Gratitude and Outdoor Healing
Although she has received the all-clear, Bradbury continues with routine check-ups. The encounter with her own mortality left a lasting mark. "I wasn't close to death, but death looked me in the eyes," she said, which has made her more health-focused than ever. Alongside her alcohol-free lifestyle and healthy diet, she made a promise to herself to spend time outdoors every day after her mastectomy, a mantra she maintains regardless of the weather.
Bradbury, who has fronted programmes from Watchdog to her beloved walking shows, acknowledges the hardships that accompanied her health battle, including financial worries. However, she maintains a perspective of gratitude. "Overall I'm having a wonderful life... But you can get through things, you can overcome hardships, and I like to think that's what I do," she stated, offering a message of resilience four years on from her diagnosis.
