Kristina Rihanoff Reveals Cancer Scare and Perimenopause Battle

Kristina Rihanoff, a former star of "Strictly Come Dancing," has revealed she is experiencing a significant health crisis, including an elevated risk of breast cancer and severe perimenopause symptoms.

Rihanoff, 49, shared that she has been dealing with these issues for the past year, describing her experience as being in a "black hole." She has suffered from "incredibly heavy periods" and extreme perimenopause symptoms that often leave her struggling to get out of bed.

The dancer discovered she carries a rare genetic mutation, an abnormal CHEK2 gene, which doubles her risk of developing breast cancer. This discovery has led her to undergo regular medical checks, including mammograms, blood tests, and ovarian and breast scans.

"Now I live with this worry day and night," Rihanoff told Closer magazine. "Once I start worrying, I can't get it out of my head... It's like a monster that grows inside you. I wake up sweating, with my heart jumping out of my chest."

She added that while she is usually optimistic, the ongoing health concerns have been "demoralising and it's really taking its toll." Rihanoff noted that for the last three to four months, she has felt unable to socialize or be in the public eye, often battling pain, sickness, and headaches while maintaining a brave face.

Doctors have advised Rihanoff against taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and she is now considering a hysterectomy to remove her womb and ovaries to manage her periods. Her family history of both ovarian and breast cancer prompted her to undergo genetic testing in 2023.

Rihanoff hopes her openness will encourage greater awareness of the challenges others might be facing. She also mentioned that her 10-year-old daughter, Mila, provides support during her darker days.

This health battle comes after a period of reported financial difficulties for Rihanoff and her ex-partner, former rugby player Ben Cohen. The couple, who were together for 12 years, reportedly faced disputes with creditors and the government over their finances, with their split last year attributed in part to these struggles. Their joint venture, a yoga studio, encountered significant financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to their debts.