BBC newsreader to undergo cancer treatment after disease returns

BBC newsreader George Alagiah will undergo medical treatment for cancer after the disease returned for a second time.

The 62-year-old presenter was previously diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and it was later revealed it had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.

He was cleared of the disease the following year and returned to work in November 2015.

A statement from Mr Alagiah’s agent Mary Greenham read: “George Alagiah, the presenter of BBC News At Six, is 0 George Alagiah: diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 to undergo medical treatment after a recurrence of cancer.

“He was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014 and returned to the screen in November 2015 after extensive treatment. He is in discussions with his medical team about treatment options and the way forward.”

Mr Alagiah said: “My brilliant doctors are determined to get me back to a disease-free state and I know they have the skill to do just that.

“I learned last time around how important the support of family and friends is and I am blessed in that department.

“I genuinely feel positive as I prepare for this new challenge.”

The Sri Lanka-born presenter was originally diagnosed with the disease after noticing blood in his stools. A colonoscopy revealed a tumour on his bowel.