The Sunrise star, 42, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) – a type of blood and bone marrow cancer – in 2024.
The TV veteran told this week’s issue of TV Week she’s been incredibly fortunate and has responded well with her treatment.
‘I just can’t believe how lucky I’ve been, just unbelievably lucky,’ she told the publication.
‘I responded straightaway to the medication. I haven’t had any side effects. I take it daily, and I will continue to do so for many years.’
Edwina Bartholomew has given a health update about her cancer diagnosis
The TV veteran told this week’s issue of TV Week she’s been incredibly fortunate and has responded well with her treatment
The TV veteran told this week’s issue of TV Week she’s been incredibly fortunate and has responded well with her treatment
‘I was fortunate that I had a month where I knew about it before I told everyone. I had this experience without having to go through the trauma of chemotherapy,’ Edwina began.
‘[The cancer] was a gift, because it put things into perspective… I didn’t have to go through a really intense experience of being ‘in’ cancer and absorbed by it.’
Edwina added she was extremely grateful her symptoms were manageable and she was able to continue with most of the activities in her daily life.
‘I had a meeting with my specialist this week and I forgot to go get my blood test. So, it is not front of mind for me,’ she said.
‘I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi–normal… I haven’t had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It’s been a real re–think in slowing myself down.’
Edwina’s diagnosis is a ‘mild’ form of leukaemia and can often be managed without having to undergo chemotherapy and dealing with the disease’s more severe symptoms.
The TV presenter shares two young children – Molly and Tom – with her husband Neil Varcoe.
Edwina first revealed she had cancer in September 2024 live on Sunrise.
‘I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock and hard to say,’ she told viewers.
The TV presenter shares two young children – Molly and Tom – with her husband Neil Varcoe
‘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 fine.’
The veteran TV star then began to break down in tears before telling the audience: ‘I thought I could keep it together.’
Edwina went on to reveal her co–star Natalie Barr was to thank for her getting diagnosed as quickly as she had been.
According to Mayo Clinic, CML is an uncommon type of cancer in the bone marrow and is very slow to progress.
Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis of people with CML and most people diagnosed with it can achieve remission and live for many years.