Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has revealed a startling new twist in her health journey — doctors have discovered a cyst on her brain, just years after her brave battle with breast cancer.
The 55-year-old TV star shared the news during an emotional appearance on The One Show, opening up about how her 2021 cancer diagnosis changed her life forever.
“You’re Never the Same After Hearing Those Words”
Julia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021, undergoing a mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumour. Looking back, she admitted that the moment she heard the words “you’ve got cancer” left a permanent mark:
👉 “I don’t think you’ll ever be the same again.”
But instead of giving in to fear, Julia turned her diagnosis into a mission to take control of her health. She immersed herself in nutrition, sleep science, the healing power of nature — and began to explore how lifestyle choices like sugar, alcohol, and rest had impacted her body.
A Full Body Scan — And a Hidden Surprise
As part of her health overhaul, Julia underwent a full body MRI scan, along with blood and stool tests. The results revealed unexpected findings:
👉 “They discovered a cyst in my brain — nothing to worry about, but it’s there,” she told viewers.
Doctors also flagged something on her ovary, which further tests thankfully confirmed was harmless.
Instead of being shaken by the discovery, Julia said she felt strangely empowered:
👉 “I know some people don’t want to know about these things, but for me, I find it empowering. I’m just naturally curious.”
From Survivor to Advocate
Julia’s update follows a candid Instagram video where she admitted the devastation of losing a breast to surgery, but urged women to prioritise early screenings.
Since her diagnosis, she has become a leading voice for awareness of PRS (polygenic risk score) and SNP testing on the NHS — genetic tools that help assess personal cancer risk.
👉 “My PRS results showed a slightly higher genetic risk for recurrence,” she explained. “That knowledge helped me and my medical team make more informed decisions. It’s given me peace of mind — and a plan.”
“We Need Preventive Care, Not Just Reactive Care”
Julia is now calling for wider access to genetic testing, believing it could save countless lives:
👉 “If I had known I was at higher risk, I might have approached my lump differently when I first found it in my 50s. We need to move towards prevention, not just reaction.”
She ended with a powerful plea:
👉 “Let’s give people the tools to make informed decisions about their health.”
Julia’s courage — from surviving breast cancer to confronting new health scares — continues to inspire fans across the nation. Her message is clear: knowledge is power, and prevention saves lives. 🌸🙏
