Dame Esther Rantzen Receives Dismal News of Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Chisom Ndianefo
Esther Rantzen
Getty | Chris Gorman

Our dearest Dame Esther Rantzen has just been diagnosed with lung cancer, and she chooses to remain optimistic throughout the journey. The TV personality and founder of Childline and The Silver Line charities confirmed the news to the public on Sunday.

Keep reading for the details.

Rantzen's Statement

The 82-year-old revealed this information in a statement to the PA news agency over the weekend, confirming that the ailment has now spread to other areas of her body.

"In the last few weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread. At the moment I am undergoing various tests, to assess the best treatment."

Not A Secret Anymore

Esther Rantzen
twitter | Twitter

The veteran decided to reveal the news and control her narrative after months of going to the hospital donning disguises.

"I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me."

Gratitude To The Fans

Esther Rantzen
twitter | Twitter

Rantzen showed gratitude to the fans, family, and colleagues who have made 82 years of her life so joyful as she looked back over the years.

"At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration."

Thanking Her Three Children

She extended gratitude to her three lovely children, who have been a huge source of support.

"First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them."

Thanking Her Friends And Colleagues

The veteran also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her friends in the broadcasting industry, who have been nothing but a pleasure to work with.

"My colleagues with whom I have worked, and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector, and in many other organizations have been a constant pleasure, and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and awful jokes."

Esther's Stunning Career At BBC

The talent was quite popular at BBC, where she presented That's Life from 1973-1994. The program featured a mix of investigations, topical issues, and entertainment.

More Groundbreaking Career Moments

She also anchored the 2018 Channel 5 consumer advice show Esther Rantzen's House Trap, after which she produced a film for the channel in 2021 titled Living With Grief.

Esther's Charities

Esther Rantzen
twitter | Twitter

After her massive run in the journalism and broadcasting sector, she founded Childline in 1986, a children's charity. Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children or NSPCC, responded to the news of her cancer on Sunday as he spoke on behalf of Childline's volunteers, staff, and supporters.

"Esther’s tireless commitment to Childline and the wider NSPCC over the years is truly inspiring and the positive impact that’s she had on children’s lives is unimaginable." he said as he sent his love and best wishes to the legend.

Creating The Silver Line In 2012

Esther Rantzen
twitter | Twitter

Rantzen helped bring The Silver Line charity to life in 2012. The body was set up as a helpline to help older people combat loneliness. She spent a better part of the global coronavirus pandemic speaking up against lockdown restrictions as they encouraged loneliness and isolation among older and vulnerable people.