Dame Esther Rantzen has shared her prognosis after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Speaking to Alex Jones on The One Show, TV legend Esther opened up about her cancer battle in the first interview since she revealed her diagnosis.
After coming to terms with her diagnosis as best she can, Dame Esther, 82, confessed that she quizzed her oncologist on how long she has left to live after learning of her lung cancer battle.
The TV legend revealed during the interview that the specialists have warned her that she will die 'sometime in the next ten years'.
Journalist and presenter shared her lung cancer diagnosis in January and has since revealed she is facing Stage 4 cancer.
Esther, who is best known for hosting BBC programme That's Life! for 21 years, opened up about her illness, saying she finds it difficult to 'skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguises'.
In an exclusive chat with The Mirror, she recently revealed: "I’m on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it’s working or not.
“But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another."
The TV host has managed to remain positive by reflecting on her many achievements throughout her career.
Esther founded both Childline and Sliver Line and is marking 50 years since That's Life! first aired.
“My diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life, working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That’s Life!” she said.
“I’m not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to That’s Life! during the last 50 years, the people I met, and the team who worked so hard, and laughed so hard, together for so long.”
Earlier this year, Esther released a statement about her diagnosis that read: "I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me.
“At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.
“My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them.”
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
