Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan has announced she was diagnosed with breast cancer five months ago. The 42-year-old Scottish GP and TV personality, who competed on the 2024 series of the BBC show, shared the news on Instagram, describing the experience as a 'shock'.
Dr Punam, who placed eleventh with professional partner Gorka Márquez, wrote: 'Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: “You have cancer”. I still find it hard to write that sentence.' She added that despite nearly two decades as a doctor, nothing prepared her for being on the receiving end of such a diagnosis.
She praised her NHS care team but admitted the journey has been 'much harder than I ever imagined'. Dr Punam said she kept the news private during treatment to protect her energy and her children, with her husband, family and close friends providing crucial support.
Now having completed treatment and 'healing', she urged others to trust their instincts and seek early detection, noting that cancer 'doesn't discriminate'. She wrote: 'Early detection saves lives. It saved mine.'
Her Strictly partner Gorka Márquez sent a supportive message, saying: 'I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.' Dr Punam is married to Scottish Conservative MSP Dr Sandesh Gulhane, with whom she shares two children.
