Pancreatic cancer fight for This Morning agony aunt Denise, 83
THIS Morning’s agony aunt Denise Robertson has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The popular 83-year- old broadcaster, who has spent more than 30 years helping people with their problems, has revealed she now has her own health battle.
The news was read out on the ITV show, where she has had her own segment since the programme began in 1988.
Miss Robertson had been absent from the programme in recent weeks and yesterday apologised to viewers.
She said her ‘ persistent health issue’ had ‘turned into something quite a lot bigger,’ and that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
She admitted the diagnosis
‘She has helped so many of us’
had been a ‘surprise,’ to herself and her family but added: ‘We know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don’t plan to give up without a fight.’
The statement concluded: ‘I’d like to thank all the lovely viewers of This Morning who have been concerned about my health recently and I hope I’ll be back on the sofa soon.’
Within 20 minutes of the announcement more than 2,000 messages were posted on social media and colleagues expressed their sadness.
This Morning co-hosts Ruth Langsford and Phillip Schofield were among the first to wish her love and support.
Former colleague, Fern Britton, added: ‘Denise Robertson is the best woman I know. She has helped so many of us, me included, with life’s s***. Here’s to her! Get well soon.’
Twice-widowed Miss Robertson, from Sunderland, is one of 8,800 people diagnosed with the cancer in the UK each year. It is the 10th most common cancer in the country.
This is not her first encounter with the disease. She lost her first husband, Alex Robertson, to lung cancer in 1972. In 2006 her stepson, John, also died of cancer, aged 44.
Her news shocked viewers. Maria Shankland, who said she was fighting lung cancer, commented: ‘Let’s show cancer we can do it. It does not rule us. Good luck with your treatments. Positive thoughts sent your way.’
Facebook user Danielle Kerstein said: ‘You have given hope and prayers to so many people. I’m sure everyone reading this will send heaps of prayers and love back to you. You are an angel on this planet. Keep fighting.’
Just 4 per cent of patients survive five years after diagnosis and only 1 per cent live to ten years after diagnosis.
It’s not fully understood what causes pancreatic cancer.
However, risk factors include age, smoking (one in three cases are associated with smoking and tobacco use) and having a history of other problems such as diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and ulcers.
There are three main treatments for pancreatic cancer: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Some types will only require one form of treatment.
Alex Ford, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK said: ‘It can make a huge difference when someone like Denise gets people talking about the disease. We hope her openness will encourage people to find out about the symptoms.’