Television presenter Michaela Strachan has opened up about her cancer diagnosis.
The 48-year-old underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She will now undergo reconstructive surgery.
Speaking to the
Mail on Sunday’s magazine, she revealed: “The tears started to roll as my doctor tried to tell me what would happen next, but I only took in every fifth word or so. The one word that registered was ‘cancer’. How had this happened?
“I don’t have it in the family, I live a fit and healthy life. My partner Nick (Chevallier) had lost his wife to colon cancer; how could the cruel dice of fate be rolled twice? By the time I reached the front door, I was sobbing uncontrollably… It was too unbearable.”
The wildlife expert added: “I couldn’t get my head around the fact that on Monday morning I’d been apparently healthy, by Tuesday I had cancer, and by Wednesday I was talking about a double mastectomy.”
Michaela, who is an ambassador for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, is now stressing the importance of having regular mammograms.
She explained: “If I’d put mine off, my story could have been a very different one… As it is, I’ve had a tough year and an emotional journey, but I’m not fighting for my life.”
Michaela is best known for her wildlife shows.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness week. Find out more about what is going on and what you can do to take part by clicking here.