Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew reveals cancer diagnosis on air but says she will recover ‘stronger’

Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer.

The news presenter, aged 41, bravely shared the news during an emotional segment on Seven’s breakfast program Sunrise on Friday, revealing to viewers that she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in July.

“Now, a personal story to finish the bulletin,” Bartholomew said.

“I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock to say, and hard to say. It is a really good kind.

“It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself I will be completely fine.”

Holding back tears, Ms Bartholomew said she felt “very lucky” to have picked up the cancer early and that she plans to recover “stronger and more resilient”.

“Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger and more resilient,” she said.

“That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

The 41-year-old went on to say she wanted to go public for “a couple of reasons.”

“Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us. It felt right to share this with you too,” she said.

“Secondly, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40 I made the decision to prioritise my health.

“I got a skin check after Nat (Barr) had her scare. I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That came back all clear. I even had an eye check. That was fine.

“But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels out of whack.

“Please, particularly for mums who always take care of everyone else, please take care of yourself too. And just check in with your doctor.”

Ms Bartholomew thanked her colleagues for the support and announced she would be reducing her workload in September.

“I will be taking time off in September and then just return to a few days a week here at Sunrise,” she said tearfully.

“Despite appearances, I feel really positive about it.

“It genuinely is the luckiest unlucky thing to ever happen to me.

“I’m just beyond grateful I found it, and beyond grateful it’s the best-case scenario.”