Sarah Cawood breaks down in tears over fears cancer has returned

Former Top of the Pops presenter Sarah Cawood broke down in tears on Instagram over "fears" that her cancer has returned. The 51-year-old tearfully revealed that she had been for a mammogram appointment and was concerned about "marks" on her breast.

The BBC host told fans she is waiting for her mammogram results in an emotional Instagram story. Sarah was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2022.

Sitting in bed wearing striped pajamas, Sarah wiped away tears as she added the caption: "This is what post-breast cancer anxiety looks like." She also added the soundtrack Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift to the video.

Sarah also wrote: "I got a text today telling me I have an appointment on Tuesday…I had a mammogram two weeks ago, but I also told the breast care nurses I was concerned about some marks on my other boob, so I don’t know whether this appointment is about that (which has already disappeared) or my mammogram.

"I’m sure it’s the latter, but the fact it’s a bank holiday weekend and the appointment is so soon has me all kinds of anxious. It never leaves you. The fear that It’s Back.

"I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about but here’s the thing: I’m happier than I’ve ever been. My life is wonderful and I don’t want it to end anytime soon, and this stupid f***ing thing that I had, it’s always there, like a shadow on a sunny day, threatening to ruin this amazing life I’m leading.

"I hope I’m overreacting, and I’m sure I am, but I’m posting this because this is the reality of having cancer: it never ever really leaves you. The disease does, but the anxiety is with you for the rest of your life. Here’s hoping it’s a long and healthy one."

Many of her 34,000 followers gave her plenty of support for speaking out. One person commented: "How it makes you feel is so difficult to explain, you have shown it perfectly x I pray all is well and you get to breathe that big sigh of relief." (sic)

A second follower chimed in: "Oh darling, big huge hugs. How do you look so beautiful when you're wiping snot and tears from you face. Loads of love. You've got this."

A third also typed: "We can’t be brave all the time, spend a moment in the anxiety and we’re all here sending hugs to help you through xx," completed with a heart emoji.

Sarah originally found fame as a host on BBC's Top of the Pops. In September 2022, she announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer the previous year, and had managed to make a full recovery.

For more information and support, visit the Breast Cancer now website here.