BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has opened up about her challenging road to recovery, after a life-saving early cancer diagnosis left her largely housebound for months.
A Decision That Saved a Life
In a move she credits with saving her life, the Desert Island Discs host opted for a cancer screening in 2024 despite having no symptoms. This vigilance followed the tragic loss of her mother, Celia, to cancer in June 2022.
Laverne, 47, shared the news of her diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post in August 2024, alongside a photo from hospital. She confirmed the illness was caught early during a routine test and that a full recovery was expected.
The Long Road Back to Health
After taking several months off work for treatment, which included surgery, Laverne was later given the all-clear. Reflecting in Good Housekeeping Magazine, she described 2025 as "a year of recovery".
"Cancer surgery had left me unable to do many things that made me, me," she revealed. "My active life of work, running around after my family, exercising, socialising and being out and about disappeared overnight and I was sofa-bound for months."
She described being too unwell to even read or watch TV initially, but found solace in focusing on simple sounds during her convalescence. "I reclaimed the house a room at a time," she added of adjusting to life back home.
Returning to Normality and a Vital Message
Laverne is now back at work, having fronted the BBC's Glastonbury Festival coverage and recent editions of The One Show. She continues to tick off 'first since' moments as she reclaims her life.
Her experience underscores the critical importance of cancer screening. The NHS states that screening is designed to detect early signs in people without symptoms, potentially saving lives.
You may be eligible for NHS genetic cancer risk testing if:
- A close relative has a known faulty gene increasing cancer risk.
- Several family members have had certain cancers.
- You have a Jewish background.
General symptoms that could indicate cancer include unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps, persistent pain, extreme fatigue, and unusual bleeding. The NHS advises speaking to a GP about any concerning health changes.
