Sarah Cawood has spoken about her gratitude at surviving breast cancer while encouraging people to check themselves for lumps.
The 51-year-old TV presenter, who previously hosted '90s favorites Live And Kicking and Top Of The Pops, revealed in September 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer after doctors found a lump during her routine mammogram had discovered.
She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy and long-term hormone treatment.
On Monday, she shared some throwback pictures of herself during the procedure at the hospital on Instagram.
She wrote: “Reminiscing about my own cancer journey on #WorldCancerDay.” I'm very lucky: a routine mammogram discovered my stage 1 lump, which was gone within 6 weeks.
Sarah Cawood has spoken about her gratitude at surviving breast cancer while encouraging people to check themselves for lumps
The 51-year-old TV host announced in September 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer after doctors discovered a lump during her routine mammogram
On Monday, she shared some throwback pictures of herself during the procedure at the hospital on Instagram
“Routine mammograms save so many lives, so never hesitate to schedule your appointment.”
“You never know what oddities life will throw at you, but how you deal with them is the key to success during and after treatment.”
“I'm more grateful for my little life than ever before.” For the support of my friends and family, for the pink sisters and misters I met along the way, for the NHS who saved my life.
“There is nothing like a cancer diagnosis to put your life into perspective: I no longer sweat the small stuff and every day that I wake up and breathe and know that I am healthy is a source of pure joy.”
“So don’t put off your mammogram, ladies.
“To everyone going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment: I send my love, my healing wishes, and my DMs are always open.”
“I wish you all all the best, but especially my pink sisters today and in memory of the good souls we have lost along this journey…”
“Check your breasts and your pecs too!”
Sarah previously explained when she received her diagnosis in 2022 that doctors sent her for a follow-up scan after a routine mammogram
In the photos Sarah posted on social media, she was seen in her hospital gown as she prepared for her lumpectomy.
In pictures taken on the ward, the surgeon's marks could be seen in her chest.
She also posted a photo of herself in a bikini taken after she returned home following the procedure.
Sarah previously explained when she received her diagnosis in 2022, saying that doctors sent her for a follow-up scan after a routine mammogram as they discovered a lump in her breast.
After an ultrasound and a biopsy, she was told the lump was not a cyst and assumed the worst as she headed to the surgeon.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Sarah, who lives in Essex with her husband Andy Merry and their two children, said doctors had assured her the disease was treatable.
The TV personality even joked that it was the “Carlsberg of breast cancers,” in reference to the popular “If Carlsberg Did It” ad campaigns of the early noughties.
She explained: “The surgeon said, 'Can you see that?' 'It's a very small lump of cancer.' And I said, 'Oh, okay, is it aggressive?'
Sarah underwent a lumpectomy following her diagnosis, followed by radiotherapy and long-term hormone treatment
“And she said, 'No.' And I was like, 'Brilliant'… I was like, 'Okay, is this that easy to fix?' and she was like, 'Yeah, not really.' a big problem.''
“It's really the Carlsberg syndrome of breast cancers.” If you must have it, this is it. I feel really lucky.
“There are people who are really out on the creek without a paddle, who have cancer, and I’m not that person.”
In June last year, Sarah confirmed the discovery of a second lump in her breast, nine months after being diagnosed with cancer.
She admitted on Instagram at the time that the location of the lump, which was on a previously unaffected breast, was a concern – but could have been a direct result of her ongoing hormone therapy.
She said, “I'm just going to tell you something – I found another damn lump.” I went to the doctor and she could feel it too.
“Our guess, me and the doctor, is that your breasts are changing. The composition of your breasts changes quite a bit when you receive hormone therapy.”
“But I have a mammogram tomorrow – it's not a relapse, so it would be another primary cancer, but I don't have time, so would you all say a little prayer for me at three tomorrow?”
She added: “I have a little doubt, overall I'm fine, but I just have a little worry. “Obviously once you've had cancer you're constantly worried about the cancer coming back.”
“I wasn't quite as healthy as I could have been, but you know, you gotta live, right? I can't suppress all the joy, can I?”