‘It’s a touchy subject’ says Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury as she opens up about life after breast cancer battle
Julia Bradbury has spoken out about her breast cancer battle and how it’s changed her life, three years after she was first diagnosed.
Mum-of-three Julia, 53, has been honest with fans since her diagnosis in 2021 and has explained how it made her ‘reframe’ her work and life balance, as well as the impact into other areas in her life.
Speaking in an interview with Good Housekeeping, she explained: “Going through a health shock made me think about everything differently.
“I had to reframe work after my breast cancer diagnosis and build in daily habits that were going to become lifetime ones that would impact how I work.
“I saw that, actually, you’re not selfish if you implement self-care, and you’re not being lazy if you rest, because it’s incredibly important.”
She added that it’s changed how she works as she continued: “How that all fits into the work jigsaw is that I don’t work seven days a week any more.
“I still need to earn a living, but I’ve found a [different] way.
“Fortunately, my book has done well. Now I’m writing another. So I can split my time between writing a book and filming.”
Breast cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the UK and whilst the Countryfile presenter is now healthy and past the dangers, she’s also revealed how it impacts other areas of her life.
Speaking openly she revealed another health update, as she explained why she no longer drinks alcohol.
“I’ve made lots of changes. I don’t drink alcohol anymore,” she told the magazine.
“I don’t say l’m teetotal, because I had a thimble of red wine in October last year with some friends.
“Alcohol is a very touchy subject. It’s an addictive substance.
“I manage to resist it because my increased risk of breast cancer recurrence is 28% if I drink alcohol regularly. I don’t need any other incentive.”
The star first opened up about her breast cancer journey in 2021.
She had found a lump in her breast which proved to be a cluster of benign micro-cysts, and she had to have another mammogram as a follow up.
The scan, which included an ultra sound and a physical examination, hadn’t returned anything alarming, so she almost didn’t go to her follow up appointment.
However the follow up proved crucial as her doctor discovered a small shadow on her breast, which proved cancerous.
To treat the deadly disease, she later went on to have a mastectomy after one of her breasts and two lymph glands were removed to stop the cancer from spreading.
She’s also spoken candidly about the after effects of gruelling cancer treatment, and despite being in remission she’s spoken out about the impact on her life.
The September 2024 issue of Good Housekeeping is now on sale.