Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has revealed she has been battling an "agonising" health issue for the past year. The 49-year-old, who danced on the BBC show from 2008 to 2015, said she has been struggling with extreme symptoms of perimenopause and recently discovered she carries a genetic variant in the CHEK2 gene, which is associated with a moderately increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer.
Struggling to get out of bed
Kristina says there are times when pain and sickness make it hard for her to get out of bed, something she has to force herself to overcome as a dancer. Having been advised by medics not to take HRT, she now faces a difficult decision over whether to undergo major surgery.
"I've been suffering in silence and it's taken a toll on me mentally, emotionally and physically," she told Closer Magazine. "Some days I can barely get out of bed because of the pain, sickness and headaches, but I've been putting on a brave face."
"I have to go and teach, judge and be the Kristina everyone knows, but that's hard. It's like playing a role that isn't me at the moment," she added.
Genetic testing and family history
Kristina decided to undergo genetic testing in 2023 because of her family history of ovarian and breast cancer. Her aunt had breast cancer, while her grandmother died from ovarian cancer aged just 57. Being a mother to daughter Mila prompted her to ensure she can be there for her "as long as I can".
Tests determined that Kristina carries a variant in the CHEK2 gene. According to NHS guidance, certain harmful CHEK2 variants are associated with a moderately increased risk of developing breast cancer, although the level of risk depends on the specific variant, family history and other factors.
Kristina said the discovery left her "shocked" and admitted CHEK2 was something she had never heard of. Following the advice that she shouldn't take HRT, the dancer says she has been "really struggling" with symptoms including night sweats, heart palpitations and anxiety.
Considering surgery
"I also have incredibly heavy periods, which leave me with terrible pelvic pain and headaches that make me so nauseous I feel like I want to throw up," she added. The dancer is taking painkillers to help ease some of her symptoms, but she is also considering whether to have a hysterectomy, a surgical operation to remove the womb.
"But I'm not sure what the right step is," she shared. "I feel like I'm in limbo."
The NHS notes that if you have a CHEK2 variant but have never had breast cancer, HRT isn't necessarily ruled out. Someone at increased breast-cancer risk can be referred to a menopause specialist to discuss the benefits and risks, with HRT considered on a case-by-case basis.
Kristina hopes that by speaking out about her struggles, it may help others in the same situation. "For anyone who's struggling like me, I want you to know that you're not alone," she concluded.
