"The shock. The fear. The trauma."
TV medic Dr Punam Krishan revealed her breast cancer diagnosis after undergoing treatment.
Dr Krishan, who appeared on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, shared the news on Instagram after completing treatment.
The NHS GP and Morning Live resident doctor said she learned of the diagnosis in August and has since been “to some very dark places”.
Despite nearly two decades of supporting patients through serious diagnoses, she said the experience was deeply different when it became personal.
She said: “Absolutely nothing prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself.
“The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.”
Dr Krishan said she had a “gut instinct” something was wrong and urged others to get themselves checked.
She explained she kept the diagnosis private while undergoing treatment to protect her energy and her family.
Dr Krishan said this was “most of all” for the two children she shares with her husband, Dr Sandesh Gulhane.
Now that treatment has finished, she said she felt ready to speak publicly about her experience.
She said sharing the news mattered because “carrying it quietly has been heavy”.
She added: “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.
“This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally – conversations about your own mortality will do that – but it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters.
“Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection. I have so much more to share when I’m ready.
“For now, thank you for being here and for holding space with such kindness.”
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Supportive messages from her Strictly colleagues quickly followed.
Her dance partner Gorka Marquez commented:
“I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.”
Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who has also been diagnosed with breast cancer, wrote:
“You got this pink sister xxxxxxx sending so much love xxxxxxxxx.”
Dr Punam Krishan previously spoke positively about her time on Strictly, describing it as “the best fitness journey” of her life.
She said: “At first I was a bit anxious and I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but the training is so physical, and the dancing, and I was loving it.
“I’m more toned than I’ve ever been, and I had so much more energy as a result.”
Dr Krishan was eliminated in the fifth week of the 2024 series, which was won by Chris McCausland.
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