Lisa Faulkner, the 54-year-old ITV presenter known for co-hosting John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen with her husband John Torode, has provided an emotional update following her breast cancer diagnosis. On June 2, she revealed she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent major surgery. A day later, she took to Instagram to thank her supporters, stating: "Thank you for all of your support and your lovely messages. I promise I will read every word. So many of you are going through this or know someone who is. Your love and kindness have really touched me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Surgery and Recovery
In a video update on June 2, Faulkner explained her recent silence on social media: "I know I've been very quiet on here, the reason being I have had to have surgery for the early stages of breast cancer. I had surgery two weeks ago, it was quite a big op but it's all good and I've my results back and they've got everything out." She confirmed that the surgery was successful and that a course of radiotherapy will follow in a few weeks. "So it's all clear and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks. I just wanted to say I've got a bit of healing to do but I'm good. I'm well and feeling so much better and I'm so grateful I went for my mammogram," she added.
Urging Women to Attend Mammograms
Faulkner used her platform to encourage other women not to skip routine screenings: "I just wanted to say don't put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn't have been picked up. Thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact we can have these mammograms and we can get treatment early." Her message comes as she reflects on her own health journey, particularly in light of her mother Julie's death from throat cancer at age 44.
Embracing Life in Her 50s
Earlier this year, Faulkner spoke about embracing life in her 50s, telling HELLO! magazine: "I feel lucky to get to an age where you've got more to give and you're not invisible. Women are brilliant and we're picking each other up and looking out for each other. Life's short. My mum died when she was 44 and didn't get to have that second act. So I grab it." The former Holby City actress, now 54, has been open about her health and family history, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Support from Husband John Torode
Faulkner's husband, John Torode, 60, has been by her side throughout the ordeal. The couple, who met on the set of MasterChef in 2010 and married in 2019, are known for their on-screen chemistry on ITV's John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. Faulkner's update has drawn an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike, with many praising her bravery and candidness.
