Dame Esther Rantzen has delivered a devastating update on her health, revealing she is now battling a second type of cancer while making poignant plans for an early Christmas celebration with her family.
A Heartbreaking Health Update
The beloved television presenter and journalist, 85, who was first diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2023, has disclosed that recent tests revealed "a completely different kind of cancer" attacking her body. This new development required both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, though Dame Esther has decided against pursuing this treatment path.
In a candid column for The Times, she expressed her frustration, writing: "I'm not sure exactly what it is. But it is quite annoying to have two different kinds of cancer simultaneously."
Decision Against Treatment and Future Plans
The veteran broadcaster confirmed she is "not receiving any treatment at all" after her medical team determined that the side-effects would outweigh the benefits. While scans show her cancers are progressing, she notes this is happening "very slowly".
This difficult prognosis has led Dame Esther to make significant personal decisions. She has organised an early Christmas celebration with her loved ones and has spoken openly about her support for assisted dying legislation.
She revealed that while her health hasn't deteriorated enough to book a flight to Zurich's Dignitas clinic, she would consider this option if life "ever becomes unbearable". The television star confessed: "I'm not afraid of death but I am afraid of dying badly."
Living with 'Scanxiety' and Looking Forward
Dame Esther also spoke about experiencing 'scanxiety' - the anxiety that builds before each medical scan. Despite her health challenges, she maintains hope for the future, having ordered tulip bulbs for spring planting in acknowledgement that she "may last longer than expected".
Looking beyond her early Christmas plans, she expressed hope for "relaxing, quiet days at home" complemented by "exuberant Zoom and phone calls" with family and friends if she remains well enough.
The journalist's update comes amid ongoing parliamentary debate about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which passed the House of Commons in June and could give terminally ill adults with six months to live the option of an assisted death, subject to multiple medical and legal approvals.
