Glasgow GP Dr Punam Krishan has opened up about the devastating moment she told her young son she had breast cancer, revealing the heartbreaking question he asked her.
The broadcaster and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant became emotional as she recalled how her family reacted to the news, admitting it was the moment they finally fell apart. The 43-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2025, although she kept her diagnosis private before sharing the news publicly in January this year.
Son's question
Speaking on the Bedside Manners podcast, hosted by Dr Oscar Duke and sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK, Punam reflected on the life-changing diagnosis and the impact it had on her and her loved ones.
She said: "I said, 'Mummy's had breast cancer.' And as kids do, it's just so simple. He just went, 'Are you gonna die?'"
She added: "Later on that night, he just came into my room and said, 'You know I love you more than anything in the world.' And that was it. That's when we fell apart."
Diagnosis moment
Her emotional account comes as Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the disease and the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking medical advice.
According to Public Health Scotland, around 5,506 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making awareness and early detection particularly important.
Punam also described the moment she received the news while shopping in Primark, initially believing a call from the hospital would bring reassuring results.
The GP said: "I was in Primark of all places. The phone goes, and I was like, 'Oh, that would be the nurse to tell me that everything's fine.' She's like, 'Well, are you able to come into the hospital? Please, can you bring somebody with you?'"
She added: "And I was like, 'Oh my God.' ... And that was the worst drive of my life."
Medical knowledge
Despite her medical background, Punam admitted that knowing about cancer did little to prepare her for hearing the diagnosis herself.
She said: "In that moment, all you hear is cancer. Any words that came after that were futile because I wasn't listening. I was just thinking of my children."
She added: "Medical knowledge didn't help. And actually, what I learned also was how little I knew about breast cancer."
Punam also spoke about the contrast between the excitement of appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and the fear of facing surgery and treatment.
She said: "One moment you are on the centre stage dancing your heart out, and the next you are in the dizzying lights of waiting rooms and treatment rooms and having surgery for what is the scariest sentence you'll ever hear in your life."
The GP said she believes her own doctor played a crucial role in her journey after she sought medical advice.
She said: "I did what I always tell people to do, and I went to see my doctor. My GP saved my life because there was absolutely every reason that she could've said, 'Just sit and watch' or, 'Nothing to worry about.'"
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, Punam is encouraging women to trust their instincts and seek medical advice if they notice changes or feel something is not right.
The second series of Bedside Manners, sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK, is available on all major podcast platforms.
