Life has a way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect them, and for Edwina Bartholomew, a Sunrise star, one such curveball came in the form of a cancer diagnosis. In a deeply personal and emotional update, Edwina has opened up about her journey with cancer and the profound impact it has had on her daily life, offering a message of hope and resilience that resonates with many of us.
During a recent appearance at Marie Claire’s International Women’s Day luncheon in Sydney, Edwina, 41, shared her experiences with an audience, revealing the ways in which her diagnosis has prompted a significant re-evaluation of her priorities and lifestyle. ‘It’s been a real re-think in slowing myself down,’ she admitted, acknowledging the need to take a step back and focus on her health and well-being.
Edwina’s diagnosis is a ‘mild’ form of leukaemia, specifically chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a type of blood and bone marrow cancer that can often be managed without the need for chemotherapy. This has allowed her to maintain a semblance of normalcy in her life, for which she expressed immense gratitude. ‘I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal… I haven’t had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same,’ she said.
The journey to diagnosis was not straightforward. Edwina recounted how routine tests, prompted by her co-star Natalie Barr’s encouragement to get checked, led to the discovery of her condition. It was a blood test, rather than the mammogram or eye check she had undergone, that revealed levels out of whack, ultimately leading to her diagnosis.
Despite the shock and difficulty of coming to terms with her cancer, Edwina has chosen to share her story publicly, recognising the support she has received throughout her career’s milestones. ‘I feel lucky, and I wanted to share this with you for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times,’ she expressed. The TV presenter and her husband, Neil Varcoe, have two young children, five-year-old Molly and three-year-old Tom.
Edwina’s openness about her diagnosis and treatment is not only brave but also educational. According to the Mayo Clinic, CML is an uncommon type of cancer that progresses slowly. Advances in treatment have greatly improved the prognosis for those diagnosed with CML, allowing many to achieve remission and live for many years.
Edwina Bartholomew’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of health, resilience, and support during life’s unexpected challenges. Her openness about her journey offers insight and inspiration to many facing similar experiences. We wish her continued strength and health as she moves forward, and we thank her for reminding us of the preciousness of life and the power of resilience.
Have you or someone you know experienced a significant life change? How did it reshape daily routines and perspectives? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going about health, support, and living life fully.
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I am 67 and was recently cured of Prostate Cancer because it was diagnosed and treated very early in the progress of the disease.
I encourage all men over 50 to have a simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test every year, and to investigate any unusual jump. It isn’t so much the number as the % change in the past 12 months.
Family history is also an important factor. My paternal Grandfather died of Prostate Cancer at the age of 69 in 1961, and was in a very bad way at the end. My father also had Prostate Cancer, but it was treated early enough and he lived to 92.
My PSA jumped 37% from 2.7 to 3.7 in one year, never having jumped by more than 0.4 in the previous 16 years. My GP referred me to a Urologist who did a Biopsy and found some Cancer cells. I then had PET Scan, CT Scan and Bone Scan, and the PET Scan confirmed Cancer cells on both sides of my Prostate. The other scans showed nothing, which was encouraging because it indicated that the Cancer hadn’t spread.
I had a robotic-assisted radical Prostatectomy on 30 January, and was home within 2 days. I was never in any pain – just occasional discomfort. 10 days later, the Pathology results confirmed that all of the (Grade 2) Cancer was contained within the removed Prostate, with a good margin all the way around. It had not spread and was completely removed – a complete cure!
I could have had RadioTherapy, but chose the more certain treatment because I was concerned that surrounding organs might have been damaged by the therapy, and that the Cancer might relapse at a later stage.
Men living in Australia with our good health services should not be dying from Prostate Cancer. There are of course some side effects, but they are preferable to death if treatment is delayed or avoided!