Julia Bradbury, the former Countryfile presenter, has transformed her outlook on life and health since her breast cancer diagnosis five years ago. Now 55, the Dublin-born broadcaster prioritizes her wellbeing with a balanced diet, regular exercise, mindfulness, and gratitude practices. “I’ve really taken charge of my health,” she shares. “I want to make sure that I’m in the driving seat, rather than responding to crises.”
Her health journey hasn’t been straightforward. Alongside battling breast cancer, Julia has lived with endometriosis since 2006—a chronic condition where tissue similar to the womb’s lining grows outside it, causing severe pelvic pain and often requiring surgery. She describes the condition as debilitating, stating, “Endometriosis can result in chronic pain in the pelvic region and can be debilitating to women.” The condition remains incurable, with its origins still unknown.
Julia recently worked with Vista Health on their Signs Of Clarity initiative, which encourages people to pay attention to their bodies’ warning signs. After undergoing a pelvic MRI to monitor her condition, she admits to feeling “slightly anxious” about a potential recurrence. Fortunately, the scan confirmed her womb was healthy, underscoring the importance of regular health check-ups.
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In late 2021, Julia had a single mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumor. While she acknowledges the emotional toll of her experiences, including moments when she “shed tears,” she maintains a realistic and positive attitude. Her current lifestyle revolves around spending ample time outdoors and following a “clean eating” regime focused on nutrient-rich foods like steamed vegetables, berries, and seeds. She has eliminated gluten and alcohol, increased her fiber intake, and reduced bodily inflammation—all under medical supervision.
Despite her proactive approach, Julia recalls instances of feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals, especially when discussing lifestyle changes post-cancer diagnosis. She recounts moments when suggestions to improve wellness were met with skepticism or disregard, highlighting a common struggle many women face in medical settings.
Julia stresses the importance of self-advocacy, especially as women often face disparities in medical research and treatment. “There is no question that women are underserved in the medical world,” she asserts. “We tend to wait longer for treatment, diagnosis, and have fewer drug options because much research has focused on male-centered diseases.”
Embracing a newfound confidence with age, Julia says, “When you have experience under your belt, you start to trust your instincts more and become more of an advocate for yourself.”
Reflecting on the impact of her diagnosis, Julia shares, “Cancer saved my life in so many ways.” She now cherishes each morning as a gift, savoring simple pleasures like her morning green tea and family moments. Her positivity extends into new ventures, including her recent ITV series, Julia Bradbury’s Wonders Of The Frozen South—an experience she describes as “phenomenal” and a “big tick” in her life journey.