Dame Esther Rantzen Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: ‘I Want You to Hear It From Me’
BBC Legend Opens Up About Illness
Dame Esther Rantzen, the 82-year-old BBC broadcaster and charity founder, has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer. In a heartfelt statement, she said the disease was found “in the last few weeks” and has already spread. Dame Esther is currently undergoing tests to determine the best course of treatment.
Trailblazing Broadcaster Faces Health Battle
Famous for hosting the hit BBC consumer show That’s Life from 1973 to 1994, Dame Esther became a household name and a pioneering female journalist. The programme regularly attracted up to 20 million viewers with its mix of hard-hitting and lighthearted stories.
Charity Champion Thanks Supporters
She expressed “profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful” and insisted she wanted the public “to hear the facts from me” rather than through rumours. She joked about finding it “difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise.”
Dame Esther founded ChildLine in 1986, a vital counselling service for children and young people. She also helped launch The Silver Line in 2013, which supports lonely elderly individuals across the UK. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded a DBE in 2015 for services to children and the elderly.
Hope in New Medical Advances
Though she won’t be answering questions until further tests are completed, Dame Esther is optimistic. “There are wonderful new treatments available thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession,” she said.
