Dame Esther Rantzen has said she is remaining “optimistic” after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-old broadcaster, long-time activist and founder of charities Childline and The Silver Line, confirmed the news on Sunday.
Sadly, lung cancer is one of the most common - and most serious - types of cancer, with the NHS saying more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK. It mostly affects older people and smoking is the most common cause, although some people who have never smoked in their life can also develop lung cancer.
Dame Esther shared the news of her diagnosis in a statement, saying her cancer had spread and she no longer wants to keep it a secret. She said: "At the moment I am undergoing various tests, to assess the best treatment.
