Julia Bradbury, former Countryfile presenter, has embraced a new approach to life and health following her breast cancer diagnosis five years ago. Now 55, Julia places her wellbeing front and center, prioritising a balanced diet, active lifestyle, mindfulness, and gratitude.
“I’ve really taken charge of my health,” Julia explains. “I want to be in the driving seat rather than just reacting to crises.”
Julia’s journey has included not only a battle with breast cancer but also a long-standing struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition diagnosed in 2006. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain and other severe symptoms. Despite its impact on many women, the condition has no known cure.
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“It was quite severe,” Julia recalls. “Endometriosis can be debilitating, causing chronic pelvic pain that disrupts daily life.”
Her experience required surgery, described by Julia as “a big deal,” which led to a six-week hiatus from work. Now an advocate for listening to our bodies, Julia collaborates with Vista Health on their Signs Of Clarity campaign, encouraging people to pay attention to their body’s warning signals.
Recently, Julia underwent a pelvic MRI through Vista Health to monitor her condition. Though she felt anxious about the possibility of recurrence, the scan showed her womb in excellent health. Julia praises the importance of regular health screenings for maintaining wellbeing.
In late 2021, Julia had a single mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumour. She openly acknowledges the emotional challenges of her journey, admitting to moments when she “shed tears” but keeps a realistic and positive outlook.
Her current lifestyle focuses on outdoor activities and a “clean eating” regime—a stark change from before her diagnosis. She lives in London with her partner, Gerard Cunningham, and their three children—14-year-old Zephyrus and 11-year-old twins Xanthe and Zena.
“I completely changed my diet,” Julia shares. “I cut out gluten and alcohol, paid attention to my hormones, increased my fibre intake, and worked to reduce inflammation—all under medical guidance.”
Julia, however, has not always felt fully supported by healthcare professionals. She recounts occasions when lifestyle changes were dismissed or undervalued in follow-up care, leaving her frustrated. Yet many professionals now recognise the role of nutrition and exercise in recovery and health maintenance.
With age, Julia has gained confidence and is more vocal in advocating for herself. “When you have experience under your belt, you trust your instincts more and become your own best advocate,” she says.
She also highlights a concerning gender gap in medical research and treatment accessibility. “Women are underserved medical-wise. We face longer waits for diagnosis and treatment, and fewer drugs are developed for conditions that mostly affect women,” she explains.
Reflecting on her experience with cancer, Julia says it taught her to deeply appreciate life’s everyday blessings. “Cancer saved my life in many ways. Since hearing those words, I see every day as a gift. I’m grateful for the small things, like sipping green tea or hugs with my children.”
Julia’s renewed outlook includes exciting projects like her latest ITV series, Julia Bradbury’s Wonders Of The Frozen South, which she describes as a “long-held dream” and a “phenomenal” experience to share with viewers who have fallen in love with the landscapes she explores.