Esther Rantzen has issued a new health update, revealing that she was diagnosed with a second cancer. | AFP via Getty Images
Dame Esther Rantzen has shared a deeply emotional health update, revealing that she has been diagnosed with a second type of cancer, adding to her ongoing battle with stage four lung cancer.
The much-loved broadcaster, now 85, was first diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023 and has spoken openly about her condition since then. However, in a heartbreaking new disclosure, Dame Esther has confirmed that she is now facing another, separate cancer diagnosis.
Writing candidly in her column for The Times, she explained that the additional illness was identified comparatively recently and required both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“And a further diagnosis, comparatively recently, has revealed that I am also being attacked by a completely different kind of cancer,” she wrote. “Which needed treatment with chemotherapy and being zapped with radiotherapy.”
She added with characteristic frankness: “I’m not sure exactly what it is. But it is quite annoying to have two different kinds of cancer simultaneously.”
In her latest update, Dame Esther revealed that she is currently receiving no active treatment, explaining that the physical toll of further intervention would outweigh any potential benefits.
“So the cancers are progressing,” she said, “but according to my most recent scan, very slowly.”
The TV legend has also been vocal in recent years about her support for assisted dying legislation in the UK, speaking openly about dignity, autonomy, and the realities of terminal illness.
Despite her health challenges, Dame Esther shared a poignant and surprisingly hopeful insight into her plans for the festive season, revealing that she intends to celebrate Christmas early with her family this year.
“This year I am planning an ‘official’ Christmas with my children and five grandchildren slightly ahead of the real Christmas,” she explained, “so that there will be more chance that I am actually alive to enjoy it with them.”
Although she lives alone, she revealed that her daughter Rebecca will once again help transform her home for the season.
“Rebecca will come and decorate the house beautifully, as she has done every year,” Dame Esther wrote, “with all my old baubles and bits of tinsel.”
Reflecting on how far she has come since her initial diagnosis, she added: “When I was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2023, I did not expect to last until the next Christmas.”
“So the fact that I am still here and looking forward to this one,” she said, “is a wonderful surprise.”
The update has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike, many praising Dame Esther’s honesty, courage, and unflinching grace as she continues to face life’s most difficult chapter.