Former Top Of The Pops presenter Sarah Cawood has described how breast cancer medication left her struggling with everyday tasks before she received an ADHD diagnosis in April 2026. The 54-year-old, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, said the hormone-blocking drug anastrozole caused her life to unravel almost overnight.
Medication's Impact on Brain Function
Speaking on the I'm ADHD! No You're Not podcast with hosts Dr Mine Conkbayir and comedian Paul Whitehouse, Cawood explained that her symptoms began after she stopped hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and started taking anastrozole. She believes the changes had a major impact on her ability to function, saying: "I don't think we yet realise how important oestrogen is for brain function."
Cawood described the physical and mental toll of the medication: "It's brutal, so your bones hurt. And I literally just, almost overnight, starting these drugs, everything just fell to s***. All the spinning plates just toppled." Her difficulties became so noticeable that her husband began getting frustrated with her forgetfulness. She was repeatedly double-booking commitments and even forgetting to pick up their children, which ultimately helped lead to her diagnosis.
Challenges with ADHD Treatment
After being prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, Cawood experienced severe nausea and rapid weight loss. She said her dosage had been increased repeatedly, leaving her questioning whether the medication was right for her. "They make me feel awful, but I do get stuff done on them. I'm not sure if I'm on the right medication, if I should be on medication. Is the dose too high?"
She also described struggling to eat, adding: "They make me feel appalling. See, I've lost half a stone and I'm thinking, I'm not getting the nutrition that I need. Don't fancy eating anything except a square crisp. It's like being pregnant."
Remission and Ongoing Concerns
Cawood is now in remission from breast cancer but continues to take preventative medication to reduce the risk of the disease returning. The treatment has also affected her bone density, leaving her anxious about future test results. In a recent Instagram comment, she admitted: "I'm dreading my next DEXA scan because the last one showed my bone density loss had progressed because of the stupid meds."
