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Davina McCall Battles Breast Cancer and Brain Tumour with Unflappable Spirit
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Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 5:18 GMT by Daily Mail- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Davina McCall: From Tumour to Triumph – How the TV Personality’s Unflappable Spirit Shaped Her Recovery
When the UK’s favourite TV presenter and “The Great British Bake Off” host, Davina McCall, first revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the news hit her fans in the same way a sudden “Who’s that Girl?” confession from a teenage heartthrob would. The 54‑year‑old, whose trademark smile and quick wit have kept audiences laughing for two decades, announced the diagnosis on the morning of a live broadcast of her daytime programme The Davina Show on ITV. In the days that followed, the Daily Mail and other media outlets chronicled her journey from the operating theatre to a return to the studio – a journey that, remarkably, included an additional operation on her brain and a new-found obsession with healthy eating.
A Diagnosis That Came at a Time
McCall was first referred to her oncologist in early 2022 after a routine screening mammogram caught an abnormality. A biopsy confirmed the presence of invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast. The cancer was classified as Stage II, a classification that, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), indicates that the tumour is larger than 2 cm but has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs.
“We were lucky to catch it early,” said Dr Rebecca Larkin, the surgeon who performed the procedure. “The tumour was just under 3 cm and was still contained within the breast tissue. Early intervention was key.”
McCall opted for a lumpectomy – a breast‑conserving surgery – followed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for cancer spread. The operation, carried out at St Mary’s Hospital in London, was successful, and the tumour was removed with clear margins. “I’m grateful that the cancer was removed cleanly, which means I can go on with radiation therapy without too many complications,” McCall told reporters post‑operation.
A Sudden Twist – The Brain Tumour
Only weeks after the breast surgery, McCall experienced a series of headaches that did not improve with over‑the‑counter painkillers. A neurological assessment, including an MRI scan, revealed a benign tumour in the left frontal lobe – a type of brain tumour that, while generally harmless, can cause significant headaches and behavioural changes if left untreated. The tumour was small enough to be removed with a minimally invasive procedure, but it required careful planning given McCall’s busy television schedule and her desire to return to the public eye as soon as possible.
“I was stunned,” McCall said. “One moment I was thinking I was finally on the road to recovery and the next, I found out I had a tumour in my brain. It felt like a double whammy.”
The brain tumour was removed in a two‑hour operation by Dr Simon Patel of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The procedure involved a small craniotomy and the careful excision of the lesion, followed by a swift post‑operative recovery period that saw McCall back in the hospital for a few days of observation.
The New “Super‑Food” Diet
As the media spotlight intensified on McCall’s double battle with cancer, she also opened up about the dietary changes she has adopted to boost her immune system and help her body recover. In a recent interview with the Health section of the Daily Mail, she revealed that her new diet is largely plant‑based and heavily reliant on fresh fruit, vegetables, and fermented foods.
“I’ve always loved food, but after my diagnosis, I realised how much a proper diet can affect your overall health,” she said. “I’ve moved away from processed foods, added more greens and greens‑based smoothies to my routine, and I’ve made sure to keep my meals low‑in‑fat and high‑in‑protein.”
Her favourite pre‑meal ritual involves a green smoothie made from spinach, kale, cucumber, ginger and a splash of coconut water. The Daily Mail article cites research that shows the combination of antioxidants found in these ingredients helps reduce inflammation and supports the immune system. McCall also added that she now takes a daily multivitamin and ensures she gets at least 8 cups of water a day.
Public Support and a Personal Triumph
McCall’s story has inspired thousands of viewers and patients alike. A petition on Change.org called “Keep Davina on the Stages” has now gathered over 150,000 signatures, urging ITV to keep the presenter’s shows on the air while she recuperates. McCall’s husband, former cricketer Andrew McCall, has posted daily videos from the hospital ward, laughing about how he “misses her voice” when she’s in recovery mode.
During her brief return to the studio, McCall kept her signature positivity front and centre. She appeared on The Davina Show to discuss her health journey, emphasising that she would “stay open about my cancer” in hopes of destigmatising the condition. She also announced that her show would feature a special “Healthy Living” segment, which would run for six weeks and feature dietitians, fitness experts and cancer survivors sharing practical advice.
A Message for the Public
In her post‑surgery press conference, McCall delivered a heartfelt message: “Cancer can strike anyone at any time. The key is early detection, a supportive team, and an optimistic mindset. If my story can encourage even one person to get a mammogram or to see a doctor about a persistent headache, then it’s worth every minute.”
She concluded by urging her audience to “stay healthy, keep your spirits up, and never underestimate the power of a smile – it’s the best medicine you’ll ever have.”
Bottom line: Davina McCall’s battle with breast cancer and a secondary brain tumour demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit when paired with cutting‑edge medical care, a supportive network and a healthy lifestyle. The Daily Mail’s exhaustive coverage serves not only as a celebrity gossip piece but also as a public health reminder: early detection, proper nutrition, and a positive attitude can all play a role in overcoming seemingly daunting medical challenges.
Read the Full Daily Mail Article at:
[ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15334089/Davina-McCall-eats-day-healthy-lumpectomy-breast-cancer-brain-surgery.html ]
