Punam Krishan: Star speaks out about her 'shock, trauma and fear' as she returns to Morning Live after revealing cancer diagnosis

Speaking on the show today (Friday January 9), the TV star explained how she first went to the doctor because she had an "instinct" she should get herself checked.

She went on to say that after she was given her breast cancer diagnosis the doctor told her it "could have been a different picture" six months later.

But, she reassured fans that she is okay. "I don't want anyone worrying, I'm through my treatment, I'm ok. I'm well, I'm healing,” she said.

Punam was speaking to hosts Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, who has just returned to the show 12 weeks after giving birth to her baby daughter Nala.

Reflecting back on the moment she was told she had cancer, she said: “Five months ago I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I think in that moment there's the shock, the trauma, the fear. In a second your life and the reality as you know it changes.

"I've been a doctor for over 20 years. Unfortunately I've had to at times tell patients bad news but nothing prepares you to receive that news,” she added.

She continued: “I cried a lot, I cried in the car, I cried in bed, cried in the shower. When you receive a diagnosis like cancer, in that moment, it’s two things that you deal with.

“One is the shock of the diagnosis itself, and then there is the trauma that comes from having your mortality being presented to you… all you can do is walk the next step.”

The TV star further explained what life is like for her now. “Once you’ve come out of the treatment, that isn’t the end of it, and I think a lot of people think from the outside that once the treatment’s done, you’re ok, but you’ve got this newfound sense of identity.

“You’re learning to trust your body again, you’re learning to walk a new path, it’s got this hyper alertness and vigilance, and you’re just learning… the nervous system still needs time to calm down and be like, ‘you’re safe, you’re okay, everything’s going to be ok’, and we’re still navigating…

“I don’t know how long this journey is, but I think that it’s definitely given me an insight like never before of just what it looks like to live it.

“I wish I didn’t have to go through that, but I think that having been on the other side of the consultation table, I’m looking forward to just getting back to really holding my patients again with a newfound like, ‘I get it, I get it’.”

Revealing her cancer diagnosis on her Instagram earlier this week, former Strictly Come Dancing star Punam wrote a lengthy statement.

She said in a post on Instagram: “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all – my children. My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget. When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters. I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing, grateful, relieved, still shaken, all of those things can exist at once.”

Punam said she was disclosing her diagnosis now because “carrying it quietly has been heavy” and “because I’ve always believed in honesty”.

She added: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history, I was well, I’m a doctor, and yet – here I am. What I’ve learned most is this, early detection saves lives, it saved mine.

Punam was the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from the BBC dancing show in 2024, when she was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Marquez, who wished her well on Instagram.

Marquez said: “I know you and I know you will get through this, and we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.”

Fellow Strictly professional dancer Amy Dowden, who has herself been diagnosed with breast cancer, added: “You got this pink sister, sending so much love.”

The NHS says the symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, a change in breast skin, a change in size or shape of breasts or nipples, or a pain in the breast or armpit which does not go away.