Five years after her breast cancer diagnosis, television presenter Julia Bradbury, 56, has shared an empowering message with her followers. Bradbury posted a video on Instagram on Sunday, showing herself dancing topless in her garden, with her back initially to the camera before turning to face it.
In a message accompanying the video, Bradbury wrote, "One day you will understand that happiness was always about learning how to live with yourself. That your happiness was never in the hands of others. One day you’ll realise that true happiness comes from within." She captioned the post, "For you. Share this with someone who needs reminding today. Our happiness is never in the hands of others."
Fans responded positively in the comments, with many praising her energy and the sentiment of her post.
Brabury, known for her role on the BBC program Countryfile, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 51. Doctors discovered a six-centimeter tumor on her left breast. She described the experience as a "very emotionally upsetting time" for herself and her family. While chemotherapy was not required, she underwent a mastectomy to remove the affected breast.
Following her diagnosis and surgery, Bradbury made significant changes to her lifestyle, including altering her diet to eliminate meat and sugar, though she later reintroduced healthier, organic options. She emphasized the importance of movement and exercise for healing after the operation. "Getting blood pumping around a wound area is very, very important and your heart health also comes under attack when you have anaesthetics," she stated.
Her daily routine now incorporates regular exercise, outdoor walks, and consistent sleep patterns. Bradbury, who admitted she "felt invincible" in her youth, now advocates for a more considered approach to health and diet, suggesting that earlier awareness could have made a difference.
The presenter is also an advocate for greater accessibility to polygenic risk score (PRS) and SNP testing on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. She revealed she has taken a PRS test herself, calling it a "life-saver" for empowering women to predict their breast cancer risks.
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease globally. In the UK, over 55,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, resulting in approximately 11,500 deaths. In the United States, it affects around 266,000 individuals each year, with 40,000 fatalities. The disease typically arises from cancerous cells developing in the ducts or lobules of the breast. When cancer spreads beyond these initial sites, it is termed 'invasive.' Most cases occur in individuals over 50, though younger women can also be affected. While rare, breast cancer can also develop in men.