BBC Presenter Rhianna Dhillon Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at 37
Radio host undergoes hysterectomy and faces six-month chemotherapy treatment.
BBC 6 Music presenter Rhianna Dhillon has revealed her diagnosis with ovarian cancer at the age of 37. Dhillon, who carries the BRCA1 genetic mutation, shared the news two weeks after receiving her diagnosis and has since undergone a full hysterectomy. She is preparing to begin a six-month course of chemotherapy.
In an emotional Instagram post, Dhillon expressed surprise at the diagnosis, noting that ovarian cancer statistics indicate it primarily affects women over 50. "Even knowing I was at a much higher risk of getting ovarian cancer because of my BRCA1 genetic mutation, I wasn't expecting to get it QUITE so young. I thought I had more time," she wrote.
Dhillon had previously undergone a preventative double mastectomy three years ago after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene in 2014. The BRCA1 mutation means a person's cells have a reduced ability to repair damaged DNA, significantly increasing the lifetime risk of developing certain cancers.
She described the full hysterectomy as "an absolute full stop on one part of my life I definitely wasn't ready to say goodbye to and the start of a stage of life that I really didn't want to have to think about for another 15 years."
Her upcoming six months will involve chemotherapy, which she acknowledged will alter her plans for the film awards season. Dhillon stated that she is not yet ready for platitudes about finding positives but is open to wig recommendations.
Dhillon extended gratitude to her "incredible support network," including her family and friends, for their assistance during appointments, hospital stays, and emotional phone calls. She emphasized the importance of community support during her difficult time.
Colleagues from BBC 6 Music and other broadcasting personalities offered messages of support in the comments section of her post. Lauren Laverne called the situation "outrageous bulls***" and sent "all the love in the world," while Zoe Ball expressed her heart goes out to Dhillon, sending "all the love and strength." Adele Roberts sent "lots of love."
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and is often diagnosed in later stages because its symptoms can be vague and mimic less serious conditions. The NHS notes that common symptoms include persistent bloating, a swollen tummy, discomfort in the pelvic area, feeling full quickly, and changes in urinary urgency. The risk increases for women over 50 or those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.