In a powerful and emotional revelation, TV doctor and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dr Punam Krishan has shared that she is recovering from breast cancer.
A Devastating Diagnosis After a 'Gut Feeling'
The Morning Live contributor and mother of two received the shocking diagnosis five months ago. Dr Krishan, who danced with professional Gorka Marquez on the BBC show in 2024, explained that she acted on a 'gut feeling' that something was wrong. She has now completed her treatment and is focusing on her healing journey.
In a lengthy and candid statement posted on Instagram, the GP described the profound impact of hearing the words "you have cancer." She admitted the news sent her "to some very dark places" mentally, forcing her to confront her own mortality.
"Nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself," she wrote, reflecting on her nearly two decades of experience as a doctor supporting patients. "The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little."
Private Battle to Protect Her Family
Dr Krishan chose to keep her diagnosis and treatment private until now, a decision she made to protect her energy and, most importantly, her young children. She credited her husband, family, and a close circle of friends for carrying her through the difficult period.
She expressed immense gratitude for the "extraordinary NHS team" that cared for her, from her GP to her specialist breast and oncology teams. Despite this expert care, she acknowledged the experience was "much harder than I ever imagined."
A Vital Message on Early Detection
Now having finished her treatment, Dr Krishan is sharing her story to lift the weight of carrying it quietly and to deliver a crucial public health message. She emphasised that she had no family history of the disease and was otherwise well, proving that cancer does not discriminate.
"What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine," she stated. "My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered."
Her powerful advice to others is clear: "Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right." She concluded that the ordeal has reshaped her perspective, stripping life back to what truly matters: health and loved ones.
