Scottish GP and television personality Dr Punam Krishan has shared the "shock" of being diagnosed with breast cancer, five months after first hearing the devastating news.
A Doctor's Personal Diagnosis
The 42-year-old, who competed on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, posted a heartfelt message from a hospital bed on Instagram. She described the moment her life changed. "Here goes…five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: 'You have cancer'," she wrote. "I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it's my reality."
Dr Krishan, a practicing NHS family doctor who also teaches at the University of Glasgow, reflected on the surreal position of becoming the patient. "I've spent almost 2 decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses. And yet, nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself," she explained. "The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little."
The Journey Through Treatment and Recovery
She revealed she has now completed her medical treatment and is in a phase of healing, describing herself as "grateful, relieved and still shaken." Throughout the process, she kept her diagnosis private to protect her energy and her two young children – son Aarish, 12, and daughter Ellora, five.
Dr Krishan paid tribute to the "extraordinary NHS team" that cared for her and the support of her husband, Scottish Conservative MP Dr Sandesh Gulhane, her family, and close friends. "When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters," she stated.
A Vital Message on Early Detection
Explaining her decision to go public, the BBC Morning Live contributor said she has always believed in honesty. She issued a crucial public health message born from her experience. "What I've learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine," Dr Krishan urged.
"My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn't feel right." She emphasised that cancer "doesn't discriminate," noting she had no family history and was feeling healthy before her diagnosis.
The broadcaster, who made Strictly history by performing the show's first-ever Bollywood routine in 2024, said the experience had changed her and taken her to "dark places mentally." However, it also clarified her priorities. "Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection," she concluded, promising to share more of her story in the future.
