Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew reveals she has cancer in tearful on-air admission

Edwina Bartholomew has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in a tearful on-air admission during Friday’s Sunrise.

The TV star, 41, broke down as she admitted on-air, ‘I have been diagnosed with cancer.

‘Um. That’s a shock to say and hard to say,’ she continued, her voice breaking with emotion.

‘It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself. I will be completely fine.’

The veteran TV star then began to weep before telling the audience: ‘I thought I could keep it together.’

Edwina went on to reveal her co-star Natalie Barr was actually to thank for getting diagnosed as quickly as she had been.

Her colleague, 56, had her own cancer scare in June after a routine skin check uncovered skin cancer on her nose.

Concerned about her own health, Edwina visited her own doctor for a mammogram, blood tests and a skin check – discovering her own harrowing news. 

‘I feel very, very lucky and I wanted to share this with you for a couple reasons,’ Edwina continued to tell viewers.

‘Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us. It felt right to share this with you too.

‘Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger… and more resilient. That’s exactly what I plan to do.’

Edwina said the other reason she wished to share her sad news was because she wanted to encourage others to prioritise their health as well. 

‘Please, particularly for mums who always take care of everyone else, please take care of yourself too. And just check in with your doctor,’ she said. 

The TV star broke down as she admitted on-air: ‘I have been diagnosed with cancer. I thought I could keep it together’

The Seven star found out about her shock diagnosis in July and kept it secret from the public, telling only a few friends at work.

She thanked all her co-stars for their support, singling out Natalie in particular ‘for constantly checking in and all the meals as well’. 

Edwina then nodded her head to colleagues Monique Wright and Sally Bowrey ‘who shuffle around their family commitments so I could take care of mine’. 

After thanking her bosses at Sunrise, Edwina revealed to viewers she will be ‘taking time off in September’ before cutting down on her work at Sunrise. 

The former Dancing With The Stars co-host said she will knock her work responsibilities down to just a few days a week at Sunrise when she returns. 

‘Despite appearances, I feel really positive about it. It genuinely is the luckiest unlucky thing to ever happen to me,’ she assured viewers.

‘I’m just beyond grateful I found it, and beyond grateful it’s the best-case scenario.’

An empathetic Natalie held Edwina’s hand throughout her entire announcement, offering silent support as she pushed through the tears.

‘First of all, we’re really sorry you’ve had to go through this, but as you say, the treatment is kind of a good one. Explain it to us,’ Natalie said.

Edwina pulled herself back together and explained: ‘We’re so lucky. Literally I can take a daily tablet. My life expectancy doesn’t change. 

‘I just do need to take care of myself and rest. We are unbelievably lucky to have access to that in this country, and that that’s the kind [of cancer] I have.

‘Also, I’ve reacted really well to the medication so far which is fantastic. I have no side effects. 

‘I also had no symptoms, which is why I wanted to give that health warning at all. I didn’t have anything.’

Edwina went on to say chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) often doesn’t present symptoms, but can become very serious if left untreated.

Edwina’s tearful news soon attracted dozens of messages from well wishers

Edwina’s tearful news soon attracted dozens of messages from well wishers.

‘All of the love and hugs, Eddie – we’re with you,’ wrote The Project’s Georgie Tunny.

‘You got this queen,’ commented TV presenter Jacqueline Felgate

‘Sending so much love Eddy xxx,’ added Erin Holland.

Meanwhile, a Sunrise viewer was devastated by the news.

‘I am still crying. What a shock,’ the fan began.

‘My 17yo son came running in asking why I was crying. Eddie we love you. You’ve got this and we’ve got you! 

‘Sending much love to you and your immediate and extended family. What an amazing strong woman you are. 

‘Always thought as such but you just reinforced why I and so many know this. Take care Eddie. You are loved.’

‘Praying for you and all your family as they support you,’ wrote another.

According to Mayo Clinic, CML is an uncommon type of cancer in the bone marrow and is very slow to progress.

Various symptoms can occur, such as bone pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, blurry vision and loss of appetite among others.

Edwina revealed she suffered very little of these symptoms, with the main being fatigue which she put down to waking up at 3am every morning for work.  

Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis of people with CML and most people diagnosed with it can achieve remission and live for many years. 

The longtime Seven star shares children Molly, four, and Thomas, two, with her husband of six years Neil Varcoe.