Television personality Davina McCall has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump, prompting her to undergo surgical treatment a few weeks ago.
The 58-year-old broadcaster shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram on Saturday morning, explaining that she had undergone a successful lumpectomy to remove the tumour.
Ms McCall revealed that she initially noticed the lump, which “came and went” before becoming persistent.
She was prompted to seek medical attention after seeing reminder notices to check breasts posted in toilets at ITV studios whilst filming The Masked Singer and Lorraine.
Davina McCall shared the news on Saturday morning
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“I had a biopsy. I found out it was indeed breast cancer and I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago,” she stated in her video message.
The presenter explained that the cancer was detected at an extremely early stage, describing the tumour as “very, very small”.
Medical tests confirmed the cancer had not spread, with her lymph nodes remaining clear and none requiring removal.
“I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn’t spread,” Ms McCall said in her announcement.
She will receive five days of radiotherapy treatment in January as a precautionary measure, which she described as “kind of an insurance policy” to prevent recurrence.
The successful surgery achieved clear margins, meaning surgeons removed all cancerous tissue along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
This health challenge follows nearly a year since Ms McCall underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, a rare colloid cyst discovered during a routine health screening linked to her menopause advocacy work.
In her message, Ms McCall emphasised the importance of regular breast examinations and timely medical screenings. She admitted to postponing an ultrasound scan despite having a mammogram in August, acknowledging she “just couldn’t find time to do it.”
Davina McCall regularly shares health updates with her fans
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“I have dense breasts and I had a mammogram in August, and I was postponing the ultrasound; I just couldn’t find time to do it. Don’t do that. Get the ultrasound,” she urged followers.
Her key message to women was direct: “Get checked if you’re worried. Check yourself regularly. If you are due a mammogram, then get it done.”
Ms McCall expressed gratitude to the Royal Marsden Hospital medical team, her family, and particularly her partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, for their support throughout her treatment.
Inevitably, it didn’t take long for fans and famous faces to flock to the comments of the Instagram post to share their well-wishes.
Comedian and actress Dawn French was among the well-wishers: “Blimey Davina! What a warrior you are. Must’ve been stressful. You are a phenomenal woman x.”
“Sending you loads of love,” Match of the Day host Gabby Logan wrote, a sentiment that was echoed by Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden.
Elsewhere, Giovanna Fletcher echoed: “Sending you so so so much love. You gorgeous woman with the kindest of hearts. Love you!! Xxxx.”
Davina McCall and her partner Michael Douglas
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PAAlesha Dixon was also among Ms McCall’s supporters: “Awww my love! You are such a brave warrior love you so much.”
“Oh . I am so sorry you are going through so much. You are shining and still smiling in the face of adversity. It’s a lesson to us all,” actress Anna Friel weighed in.
And the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire similarly typed: “Hi Davina I hope you are doing okay. Sending tonnes of love to you. Your video will help sooooo many people.” (sic)
The former Big Brother host, who presented the programme from 2000 to 2010, has become a prominent advocate for women’s health issues, presenting documentaries on contraception and menopause.
She admitted experiencing initial anger upon receiving the diagnosis but has since reached a more positive emotional state.
“I was very angry when I found out, but I let go of that, and I feel in a much more positive place now,” she shared.