Television presenter Davina McCall has shared candid details about the profound impact her recent breast cancer diagnosis has had on her lifestyle, prompting a significant reassessment of her diet and work commitments.
Expert Advice on Organic Food Choices
The 58-year-old star, known for presenting Big Brother and appearing on the panel of The Masked Singer, discussed her health journey on food writer Ella Woodward's Begin Again podcast. McCall revealed that following her cancer diagnosis last October, she contemplated switching entirely to organic produce.
This thought emerged after Woodward, also known as Deliciously Ella, mentioned she would hesitate to universally advise people to "eat organic when possible." McCall questioned whether her own commitment to going organic was "silly," seeking clarity on the benefits.
Woodward responded supportively, stating it was not a foolish idea but emphasising a lack of overwhelming evidence. "I would scrap it," she advised, highlighting the significant cost and potential for creating an unrealistic, pressured dietary goal. Her stance aligns with official health guidance which downplays the necessity of organic food for cancer patients.
Official Guidance on Nutrition and Cancer
The NHS Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has specifically addressed common myths linking cancer and diet. The Trust notes that while organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, studies on their nutritional superiority are inconsistent.
Their official position is clear: "There is no current evidence to suggest that organic produce can help reduce the risk of cancer more than non-organic." They stress that incorporating a wide variety of plant-based foods is far more crucial for health than focusing solely on organic certification.
A Broader Lifestyle Reassessment
Beyond dietary considerations, McCall's health scare has catalysed broader life changes. Speaking on the Miss Me? podcast, she disclosed that she has reduced her working week to four days to prioritise wellbeing and achieve better balance.
She reflected on her previous fear of change, acknowledging that her most significant personal growth has often stemmed from difficult transitions. "The breast cancer, which I thought was a very, very frightening thing, made me realise that I really had to put that into place," McCall explained, adding that she now feels considerably better about her life.
Her cancer treatment came approximately a year after she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, a period she has been openly documenting. Davina McCall returns to television screens tonight as a panelist on The Masked Singer, which airs at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
