Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and NHS GP, Dr Punam Krishan, has bravely opened up about her private battle with breast cancer, detailing the profound shock and fear of her diagnosis five months ago.
A Raw and Emotional Revelation
In a candid Instagram post, the 42-year-old doctor shared a photo from her hospital bed alongside a powerful message. She described the moment she received the life-altering news, writing that she heard "the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer." Dr Krishan spoke of the complex mix of "shock", "fear", and "trauma" that followed, admitting that while it was hard to write about, it was her "reality" and "truth."
The Crucial Message of Early Detection
Now having completed her treatment, Dr Krishan describes herself as "healing", "grateful", and "relieved." She emphasised a vital lesson from her ordeal: "early detection saves lives. It saved mine." The doctor urged her followers to know their own bodies and act on instinct, revealing her own story began with an unusual feeling. "Listening to it mattered," she wrote, advising others to trust themselves and seek help early if something feels wrong.
She highlighted that cancer does not discriminate, noting she had no family history, was in good health, and is a medical professional herself. "And yet - here I am," she stated, explaining her decision to share her story was because carrying it quietly had been a heavy burden.
An Outpouring of Support and NHS Guidance
The post prompted an immediate wave of support from the Strictly Come Dancing community. Fellow dancer Amy Dowden, who is also undergoing treatment for breast cancer, sent her love, calling Dr Krishan her "pink sister." Her Strictly partner, Gorka Marquez, offered encouraging words, expressing confidence she would get through it and they would soon share a coffee and croissant.
The NHS lists key symptoms of breast cancer that everyone should be aware of:
- A new lump or swelling in the breast or armpit.
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling.
- A change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple.
- Unexplained pain in the breast or armpit that persists.
Treatment typically involves surgery, which may range from removing the cancerous area to a full mastectomy, often combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the cancer's size and spread. Dr Krishan's public stance now turns her personal trauma into a powerful campaign for awareness and early action.
