“I remain optimistic”: Dame Esther Rantzen, 82, announces that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer “which has now spread”.
- The 82-year-old confirmed the news on Sunday, saying she had “found it difficult to sneak around the hospital in an unconvincing disguise”.
- She explained that she is currently undergoing tests to determine the best treatment
Dame Esther Rantzen said she remains “optimistic” after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The broadcaster and founder of charities Childline and The Silver Line confirmed the news on Sunday.
Dame Esther, 82, said in a statement to the PA news agency: “In the last few weeks I have discovered that I have lung cancer which has now spread.”
“At the moment I am undergoing various tests to determine the best treatment.
News: Dame Esther Rantzen has said she remains ‘optimistic’ after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer
She added that she decided to go public after disguising herself during her trips to the hospital for tests.
“I have decided not to keep this secret any longer because I find it difficult to sneak around different hospitals in an unconvincing disguise and because I’d rather you hear the facts from me,” she explained.
Esther continued by thanking her family, friends and colleagues “who have made my life so happy”.
“At the age of 82, this diagnosis has caused me to look back over the years and I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has made my life so happy, fun and inspirational.
“First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them.
“My friends have been amazing and have created memories that support me and give me strength.
“My colleagues with whom I have worked and continue to work in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector and many other organizations have been a constant pleasure and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and terrible jokes.
‘Upbeat’: Dame Esther said in a statement to the PA news agency: ‘In the past few weeks I have discovered that I have lung cancer which has now spread.’
“I have always been inspired by the brave children, elders and viewers who have shared their life stories with me. I’ve always tried to live up to that trust.
“As I’m sure you’ll understand, I can’t answer questions while I await the results of the tests. Wonderful new treatments are emerging thanks to the extraordinary skill of the medical community, so I remain optimistic.”
Dame Esther, who was a pioneer for women broadcasters, became a household name during her career with the BBC.
She is best known for presenting That’s Life! – a program with a mix of research, current affairs and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
In addition to her success as a journalist and broadcaster, Dame Esther is also the founder of the children’s charity Childline, which she founded in 1986.
In 2012, she helped establish The Silver Line, a confidential helpline to combat elder loneliness.
During the global pandemic, Dame Esther warned that lockdown restrictions had created a daily struggle against isolation and loneliness for pensioners, and championed the vulnerable.
She wrote regularly about her own experience of not being able to see her five grandchildren, Benji, nine, Xander and Teddy, seven, and Florence and Romilly, four.
The broadcaster and activist received a damehood for services to children and the elderly in the 2015 New Year’s Honors Roll.