Dame Esther Rantzen has confirmed her lung cancer is stage four and has admitted “nobody knows” if her medication is working.
Back in January, the 82-year-old broadcaster, long-time activist and founder of charities Childline and The Silver Line, revealed she was living with lung cancer.
And now, Esther has spoken out about her treatment for the first time since revealing her lung cancer diagnosis – and she still feels grateful.
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Speaking to the Mirror, Esther revealed his lung cancer is now stage four, also known as advanced lung cancer, which indicates that the cancer has spread.
She said: “I’m on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it’s working or not.
(Image: PA)
“But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another.”
Speaking about her TV career, she said: “My diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life, working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That’s Life!”
Dame Esther, who was a trailblazer for female broadcasters, became a household name during her career at the BBC.
She is best-known for presenting That’s Life! for 21 years from 1973 to 1994.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wom)
It pulled in audiences of up to 20million and focused on a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment items.
In addition to her success as a journalist and broadcaster, Dame Esther is also the founder of children’s charity Childline, which she established in 1986.
The charity offers counselling and support for children and young people in the UK up until the age of 19, and became part of The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 2006.
Following the news of Dame Esther’s cancer diagnosis in January, NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless said: “I speak on behalf of Childline’s volunteers, staff and supporters in sending love and best wishes to Dame Esther Rantzen and her family.
(Image: PA)
“Esther’s tireless commitment to Childline and the wider NSPCC over the years is truly inspiring and the positive impact that’s she had on children’s lives is unimaginable.
“No matter what, she has always been here for children and young people and likewise, we are here to support her during this challenging time.”
Dame Esther also set up The Silver Line in 2013, a charity which supports elderly people in the UK who are battling loneliness.
In 2021 Dame Esther received the lifetime achievement award at the Women of the Year Awards for her charity work.
She was made a DBE in 2015 for services to children and older people through ChildLine and The Silver Line.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
