Dame Esther Rantzen remains ‘optimistic’ after lung cancer diagnosis
Esther Rantzen said she remained “optimistic” after revealing she had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The 82-year-old broadcaster, longtime activist and founder of charities Childline and The Silver Line, confirmed the news on Sunday.
Dame Esther said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Over the past few weeks, I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer that has now metastasized. I am currently undergoing many different tests, to assess the best treatment.
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Dame Esther Rantzen reveals she has been diagnosed with lung cancer, which has spread to other areas of her body (Dame Esther Rantzen/PA)
“I have decided not to keep this a secret anymore because I find it difficult to sneak into different hospitals in less convincing disguises, and because I prefer you to hear the truth from me.
“At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the people who have made my life so joyful, filled with joy and happiness. full of inspiration.
“First and foremost is my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua are the most wonderful support, companion, source of love and laughter and I am so grateful for them.
“My friends are amazing and have created memories that keep me going and give me strength.
“The colleagues I have worked with and continue to work with in radio, journalism, volunteering and in many other organizations have always been a joy and amaze me with their tolerance for with my wild ideas and bad jokes.
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Dame Esther Rantzen thanks her family for their support (Dame Esther Rantzen/PA)
“I have been continuously inspired by the brave children, elders and spectators who have trusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to be worthy of that trust.
“I’m sure you’ll understand, while waiting for the test results, I can’t answer the questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession, there are amazing new treatments, so I remain optimistic.”
Dame Esther, a pioneer for female broadcasters, became a household name during her career at the BBC.
She is best known for presenting That’s Life! – a show that featured a mix of investigations, current affairs and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
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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.
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Dame Esther Rantzen attends the Woman of the Year Awards 2021 (Jonathan Brady/PA)
The charity provides counseling and support services to children and young people, up to the age of 19, in the UK.
Dame Esther also founded The Silver Line in 2013, a charity that supports older people in the UK who are battling loneliness.
In 2021, Dame Esther received a lifetime achievement award at the Women of the Year Awards for her charitable work.
She became a DBE in 2015 serving children and older adults through ChildLine and The Silver Line.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/dame-esther-rantzen-remaining-optimistic-following-lung-cancer-diagnosis-42317835.html Dame Esther Rantzen remains ‘optimistic’ after lung cancer diagnosis