Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer and Me viewers were in tears within minutes of the show starting.
The ITV documentary premiered tonight and charted the Countryfile presenter's battle with breast cancer. The 51-year-old announced last September she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and needed urgent surgery.
The programme followed Julia in the aftermath of her diagnosis up until her post-mastectomy recovery. A statistic in the show revealed one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime in the UK - and Julia wanted to share her personal story to spread awareness.
READ MORE: This Morning's Julia Bradbury explains 'hardest thing' about cancer diagnosis
She said: "There was so much I didn’t know about breast cancer before my diagnosis and I hope this helps highlight the complexities of our individual cases, as well as exploring some of the incredible support networks that are out there and the new science and knowledge that continues to evolve. The impact of a cancer diagnosis goes way beyond the initial devastating news and the ripple effect on those close to you is crushing.”
Julia was candid throughout the programme and admitted she was scared ahead of her mastectomy operation. She said: "Now it's real dread that I'm feeling. You hope it's a dream and you're wrong - and this isn't what you're going to go through, but it is."
Julia's honesty was praised by viewers following the show on Twitter who were in floods of tears at the TV presenter's cancer journey.
Rob said: "Just watching your documentary. I’m crying already. You really are amazing strong and yet normal. No showbiz. Just facts to you and your family"
Julia added: "I am in tears already and I am only 5 minutes in. What a brave lady sharing this very personal story."
Karen commented: "Oh Julia, your programme has me in floods of tears within moments. You're so brave to show everyone your journey. Wishing you all the love."
Annette commented: "Watching @JuliaBradbury ‘breast cancer and me’ very moving, it’s not the loss of your breast or even the loss of your hair. It’s the thought you may not be there to see your children grow up. That’s the cruellest thing about be diagnosed."
Sheena posted : "What an inspiration you are. Watching in tears but what a light you are shining on this horrendous disease. I wish you well and a long fabulous life."
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