Julia Bradbury admitted that her breast cancer diagnosis ‘saved her life’ during an interview on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain.
The Countryfile presenter, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 before undergoing a mastectomy to have her 6cm tumour removed.
The former BBC presenter become visibly emotional as she detailed her battle with the disease and how she has turned her life around for the better.
She spoke to hosts Richard Madeley and stand-in presenter Trisha Goddard – who is also battling terminal cancer – about her journey.
Richard asked: ‘Has your outlook on everything changed since your diagnosis?’
Julia Bradbury, 53, admitted that her breast cancer diagnosis ‘saved her life’ during an interview on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain
The Countryfile presenter was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 before undergoing a mastectomy to have her 6cm tumour removed
Julia said: ‘Completely and I’m sure Trisha will agree with me, I know. It is impossible to face a cancer diagnosis, to live through treatment and ongoing disease, whatever your situation might be and for your life not to be changed.
‘It has awakened me in certain ways as well. I say in my book that cancer actually saved my life because I was a workaholic and I was pushing myself, I was stressed all the time, I wasn’t eating properly.
‘I was addicted to sugar, all sorts of things that I have completely changed.’
Back in January 2023, the star took to Instagram to share a reel documenting her life since being diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021.
Julia, who is married to Gerard Cunningham, then underwent a mastectomy after publicly announcing her diagnosis.
Reflecting on her battle with breast cancer, Julia shared photographs of herself from across the year as she spoke about how she has changed her life.
She said she has given up alcohol, changed her diet and prioritizes sleep as she spoke about the lifestyle changes she has implemented to reduce her risk of her cancer returning.
The reel also included some emotional moments from throughout her cancer battle, including her attending her breast screening and in a hospital bed for treatment.
She spoke to hosts Richard Madeley and stand-in presenter Trisha Goddard – who is also battling terminal cancer – about her journey
The former BBC presenter become visibly emotional as she detailed her battle with the disease and how she has turned her life around for the better
Richard asked: ‘Has your outlook on everything changed since your diagnosis?’
Julia said: ‘Completely and I’m sure Trisha will agree with me, I know. It is impossible to face a cancer diagnosis, to live through treatment and ongoing disease, whatever your situation might be and for your life not to be changed’
She said: ‘It has awakened me in certain ways as well. I say in my book that cancer actually saved my life because I was a workaholic and I was pushing myself, I was stressed all the time, I wasn’t eating properly’
Julia has given up alcohol, changed her diet and prioritizes sleep as she spoke about the lifestyle changes she has implemented to reduce her risk of her cancer returning.
Julia also shared snaps of herself with her kids – Zephyr, 11, and twins Xanthe and Zena, seven – as well as the poster for her documentary Breast Cancer and Me.
In text printed across the reel, she reflected on her life since her breast cancer diagnosis and spoke about her work raising awareness for the disease.
It read: ‘Breast screening. Something strange, but nothing to worry about. Until one year later: A breast cancer diagnosis.
‘Tell my friends, family and young children. Mastectomy to left breast and 6cm tumour removed.
‘Decide to make a documentary to spread awareness. Begin to share as much information about breast cancer diagnosis/prevention/new treatments, as possible.
‘Vow to get close to nature every single day of my life and meditate every day. Kick the booze, change the diet.
‘Work with beautiful people on worthwhile projects. Stay connected to nature. Reconnect with my family and friends, reconnect with my old self. Keep learning.
‘Prioritise sleep and exercise and nutrition. Begin writing a book, keep smiling.’
