Dame Esther Rantzen has stage four lung cancer

Beloved broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed her lung cancer, diagnosed earlier this year, is now in stage four – the most advanced stage of the disease.

In an interview with The Mirror newspaper, the 82-year-old says she is on a new type of medication but “nobody knows if it’s working or not. But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another.”

She says she has gone public with the news “because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise”.

She added that her stage four diagnosis has made her realise “how very lucky I’ve been in my life. I’m not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to That’s Life! during the last 50 years, the people I met, and the team who worked so hard, and laughed so hard, together for so long.”

Following the initial news of Dame Esther’s cancer diagnosis, NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless said: “I speak on behalf of Childline’s volunteers, staff and supporters in sending love and best wishes to Dame Esther Rantzen and her family.

“Esther’s tireless commitment to Childline and the wider NSPCC over the years is truly inspiring and the positive impact that’s she had on children’s live is unimaginable.

“No matter what, she has always been here for children and young people and likewise, we are here to support her during this challenging time.”

Dame Esther became a household name during her career at the BBC.

She is best-known for presenting That’s Life! – a programme featuring a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994. Dame Esther is also the founder of children’s charity Childline, which she established in 1986.

The charity offers counselling and support for children and young people in the UK up until the age of 19, and became part of the The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 2006.

Dame Esther also set up The Silver Line in 2013, a charity which supports elderly people in the UK who are battling loneliness.

In 2021 she received the lifetime achievement award at the Women of the Year Awards for her charity work.