Julia Bradbury, beloved presenter of BBC’s Countryfile, has opened up about the profound changes she made to her lifestyle following her breast cancer diagnosis during lockdown. At 55, Julia underwent a single mastectomy in 2021 to remove a tumour, a turning point that fundamentally altered her approach to health and well-being.
One of the most significant adjustments she’s made is completely giving up alcohol. Julia acknowledges that this decision “infuriates” some people, especially on social media. She shared with The Times that medical experts warned her about the heightened risk of cancer recurrence linked to alcohol consumption. “If I drink more than four units a week, my risk of recurrence increases by 28 percent,” she said. “Death looked me in the eyes, and this forced me to re-evaluate everything.”
Julia emphasized that she is not blaming others for their illnesses but highlights that her diagnosis was a wake-up call that transformed her priorities. “I now value my sleep, emotional health, and quality time with loved ones more than ever,” she explained. Her diagnosis has undoubtedly taken a toll on her confidence and finances, but it also inspired a deeper reassessment of her life’s goals.
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“I’m fortunate to have a wonderful life overall,” Julia reflected. “But cancer runs in my family, I’ve faced loss, financial challenges, and the need to reinvent myself. I’m not happy all the time, but I believe you can overcome hardships—and that’s what I strive to do.”
Julia has also questioned how sustainable her relentless work ethic is. Recently, a doctor helped her see that her “fearless streak” might be more like running on credit—pushing through exhaustion isn’t always the answer. “I realised I don’t have to win every race or overcome everything,” she admitted. “I don’t want to max out the credit card on my health.”
Though she has been declared cancer-free, Julia continues regular medical check-ups and remains vigilant about her health. “I promised myself to spend time outside every day after my mastectomy—that’s my mantra now, no matter the weather.”
Above all, the presenter cherishes time with her three children—13-year-old Zephyr and 10-year-old twins Xanthe and Zena. “Being present with them, sharing simple, nourishing moments—that’s what matters most.”
From her early days as a GMTV correspondent in Los Angeles to hosting prime-time shows like Watchdog and Countryfile, Julia Bradbury’s cancer journey has reshaped her life outlook—grounding her in health, family, and balance.