TV Presenter Hannah Fry Reveals Lifelong Condition Following Cancer Diagnosis

Professor Hannah Fry, known for her work in mathematics and TV presentations, recently unveiled a lesser-known struggle she has been facing since her battle with cervical cancer at the age of 36.

The 40-year-old academic and TV personality, who is set to guest host on the renowned show Have I Got News For You, disclosed that she developed lymphedema as a consequence of a radical hysterectomy she underwent following her cervical cancer diagnosis in 2021.

Lymphedema, a condition marked by swelling in the body’s tissues, typically affecting areas like the arms or legs, can lead to mobility issues as well as difficulty in clothing.

According to the NHS, additional signs of lymphedema include skin complications, such as infections, thickened skin, growths on the skin, and fluid seepage through the skin.

Hannah’s diagnosis came after a routine smear test followed by a biopsy where doctors uncovered a tumour described as the size of a gobstopper, as detailed in a BBC documentary.

In an interview with the Guardian, she shared the emotional turmoil of facing such a diagnosis, emphasizing the universal fear and concern that arises in such predicaments, regardless of one’s educational background.

Following her initial testing, Hannah had to await scan results to ascertain the extent of the cancer’s spread, ultimately opting for a radical hysterectomy to remove both her uterus and pelvic lymph nodes upon advisement.

The surgery revealed that cancer had reached her lymphatic system, leading to a personal belief of the “game over” scenario until subsequent scans showed a successful outcome two weeks post-operation.

Hannah, who delved into documenting her cancer journey in the BBC documentary ‘Making Sense of Cancer with Hannah Fry,’ navigated the challenges of her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, shedding light on the complexities and emotional toll of cancer battles.