Strictly star diagnosed with breast cancer
Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan has revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer five months ago and has completed treatment.
Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 42-year-old Scottish locum GP, who is the resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live show, has revealed she was left shocked by the diagnosis five months ago and underwent treatment privately for the sake of her children.
She began a lengthy post on her Instagram Story on Sunday (04.01.26): “Here goes…
“Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear:
You have cancer.
“I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.
“I’ve spent almost 2 decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses.
“And yet, nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself.
“The shock. The fear. The trauma.
“In that moment, knowledge means very little.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Since then, I’ve taken things one day at a time because that’s all I could do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be cared for by the most extraordinary NHS team, from my GP through to my breast and oncology teams.
“And still… it’s been really hard. Much harder than I ever imagined.”
Punam - who competed on the 2024 series of Strictly with professional dance partner Gorka Márquez - confirmed she has "completed treatment" and is "healing".
She continued: “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all – my children.
“My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget.
“When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters.
“I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once.”
Punam went on to share the symptoms she had, as "early detection" saves lives.
She went on: “I’m sharing this now because carrying it quietly has been heavy. Because I’ve always believed in honesty.
“And because life rarely looks like the highlight reel, even when it seems that way from the outside.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet – here I am.
“What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine.
“My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right."
Punam admitted she has been to "very dark places mentally" since her diagnosis.
She added: “This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally – conversations about your own mortality will do that – but it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters.
“Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.
“I have so much more to share when I’m ready. For now, thank you for being here and for holding space with such kindness."
