Former Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan has delivered a powerful public health message, revealing how listening to her own instincts was pivotal following a cancer diagnosis.
A Strictly Star's Personal Health Battle
The 42-year-old GP and broadcaster, who appeared on the hit BBC show in 2024, shared her diagnosis publicly on Instagram on Tuesday 6 January 2026. She disclosed she had been grappling with the news since August, a period she described as taking her to "very dark places".
Appearing on BBC Morning Live on Friday 9 January, Dr Krishan recounted the lead-up to her diagnosis. She emphasised a persistent feeling that "something wasn't right" with her body, a gut feeling she chose not to ignore.
The Critical Importance of Early Action
Dr Krishan stressed that the timing of her seeking medical advice was absolutely crucial. She told viewers that if she had delayed or dismissed her concerns, her diagnosis "could have been a different picture". This stark warning underscores the life-saving potential of acting on early health warnings.
The doctor, who has now completed her treatment, used her platform to reinforce a vital message for everyone: trust your own instincts when it comes to your health. Her experience stands as a compelling case study in the importance of self-advocacy within the healthcare system.
A Message of Empowerment and Awareness
By opening up about her personal journey, Dr Punam Krishan moves beyond her celebrity status to offer genuine, medically-informed guidance. Her plea is simple yet profound: do not underestimate nagging concerns or unexplained symptoms.
Her story highlights a key principle in modern healthcare – that patients are often the first to sense a problem. Early detection and intervention, prompted by that initial gut feeling, can dramatically alter outcomes. Dr Krishan's recovery now fuels her mission to empower others to speak up without hesitation.
