Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew announced in a live segment on Friday morning that she has cancer. The 41-year-old shared the news with viewers during the popular breakfast television show, revealing she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in July.
Bartholomew's diagnosis came after she prioritized her health following her 40th birthday, undergoing a series of health checks, including a mammogram and blood tests. While the mammogram came back clear, the blood test results revealed abnormalities.
Bartholomew said she had no symptoms when she was diagnosed. This is common for people in the early stages of CML because the disease develops slowly.
The presenter told viewers that she has been taking a daily tablet to manage the condition and is optimistic about her prognosis. She will be taking a break from her presenting duties in September before returning to a reduced schedule of a few days a week.
Understanding Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
CML is a relatively rare type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow. It's caused by a chromosome mutation that occurs spontaneously and causes bone marrow to produce too many white cells. According to the Leukaemia Foundation, CML is diagnosed in about 330 Australians each year.
Symptoms of CML
As CML progresses, symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Enlarged spleen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Diagnosing CML
The disease can be diagnosed by examining samples of a patient's blood and bone marrow. The presence of abnormal leukaemic blast cells can suggest you have CML. But doctors would need to confirm this with a bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow sample can show the number and type of cells present, as well as the amount of blood-forming activity taking place.
Doctors confirm CML diagnoses if the Philadelphia chromosome or BCR-ABL gene is detected in bone marrow cells.
Treatment Options for CML
The course of treatment depends on which phase of the disease a person is in, as well as their age and general health.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
The Leukaemia Foundation says most people diagnosed with CML can be treated with drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). They come in pill form and prevent the growth of leukaemia cells. Most people need to take the medications for life to keep CML under control.
Bone Marrow Transplant
For the small number of people who don't respond well to TKIs, doctors may consider a stem cell transplant. A bone marrow transplant is the only way to cure CML. However, the procedure presents serious risks and has a high rate of complications though, so doctors usually reserve it for people who don't improve by taking TKIs.
A Message of Hope
Bartholomew's announcement highlights the importance of regular health checks and early detection in managing chronic illnesses. Despite facing a challenging diagnosis, she remains positive and determined to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar circumstances, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention and staying informed about their health.
