‘I thought I could keep it together and I will’
A popular TV presenter broke down into tears after she announced her cancer diagnosis live on air.
The moment has since gone viral on social media with the presenter providing a rare personal message outside of the regular live bulletin.
Edwina Bartholomew is the presenter of Australian breakfast show, Sunrise, and is one of the most popular anchors across the country.
The 41-year-old took up the mantle of news anchor back in 2021 after runs as weather and entertainment presenter while also co-hosting Australia’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
The presenter went through with her usual news line up before ending with the heartfelt announcement.
She said: “Now, a personal story to finish the bulletin. I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock to say, and hard to say. It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia.
“It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I will be completely absolutely fine,” she added, after revealing she was diagnoses after taking a routine blood test.
She then broke into tears following the message with her co-host Natalie Barr proceeding to reach over to hold her hand.
Upon being asked why she wanted to make the news public, she said: “Firstly, because everyone at home has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us.
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“It felt right to share this with you too. Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger… and more resilient. There’s exactly what I plan to do.
“I thought I could keep it together and I will. Secondly, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40, I made the decision to prioritise my health. I got a skin check after Nat had her scare.”
She continued: “I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps – that came back all clear. I even had an eye check – that’s fine. But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels out of whack.”
Edwina vowed to viewers she will return to the programme for a few days a week after she has commenced her treatment in late September and is well enough to do so.
She added: “My life expectancy doesn’t change. I just do need to take care of myself and rest. I have reacted really well to the medication so far, which is fantastic. I have had no side effects. I was tired, but, hey, I get up at 3am. So, no symptoms at all. No warning signs.
“That’s really common with this kind of cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia. You don’t have symptoms. But if I hadn’t had prioritised my health and had the check, it would be a different situation. It is a lot to wrap your head around.”
Edwina has two young children with her husband of six years Neil Varcoe.
