Michaela Strachan recently opened up in a heartfelt conversation about her experience with breast cancer and the double mastectomy she underwent.
The beloved Springwatch presenter, now 59, spoke candidly on Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show Vanessa, describing the surgery as “extremely brutal” and sharing how it affected her emotionally.
The Shocking Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Back in early 2014, Michaela was shocked to learn she had breast cancer.
Despite the fear and uncertainty that came with the diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery and was fortunate enough to make a full recovery.
However, the experience left a lasting impact on her beyond the physical scars.
Coming to Terms with the Emotional Weight of Surgery
During the interview, Michaela revealed how the idea of losing her breasts felt different than she expected.
“My boobs were never a big part of my personality,” she explained, “but when they told me they were going to take them away, suddenly they felt much more important.”
She described how, after the surgery, the emotional toll hit her harder than anticipated. “It’s tough.
You think you’re going to be fine, but afterwards you realize it’s a huge emotional thing.”
Hoping for a Future With Less Brutal Treatments
Michaela expressed her hope that in 50 years, removing a woman’s breasts as part of cancer treatment will seem “archaic.”
She’s optimistic that medical advancements will find less invasive and less emotionally painful options for women facing breast cancer.
When asked whether the procedure is too harsh, she didn’t hold back, calling it “brutal.”
Yet she also said, “I’d rather be here without breasts than have them and worry about cancer coming back.”
Recovery and Moving Forward After Surgery
The presenter talked about the long recovery process, which for many UK women—about 15,000 each year—includes six weeks for the mastectomy and another six weeks for reconstruction.
Michaela emphasized the importance of physiotherapy and patience during recovery.
Now, 11 years later, she says she often forgets she even had a mastectomy.
She encourages open conversations about breast cancer because, although it feels overwhelming at the time, it gets easier.
“I remember asking when I would stop thinking about it every day,” she said.
“Now, day-to-day, I forget I ever had breast cancer. I was very lucky.”
Remembering Those Lost and the Reality of Illness
Michaela’s gratitude is tempered by the losses she and her loved ones have faced.
In 2014, she lost her sister-in-law to cancer, a friend’s son aged just 35, and her partner Nick Chevallier’s best friend to a heart attack.
She reflected on the painful reality that people their age shouldn’t be dying so frequently.
“I’m 57 and I know too many people who have died,” she told The Express.
Life Today and Advocacy for Breast Cancer Awareness
Now living in a small coastal town in South Africa with her partner and son Oliver, Michaela has become an ambassador for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
She stresses the vital importance of regular mammograms and early detection.
She continues to host Springwatch and recently took part in Dancing On Ice, where at 58, she became the oldest contestant ever to reach the final—a testament to her courage and determination.
Although she didn’t win, Michaela described the experience as “great” and a wonderful way to push herself outside her comfort zone.
Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Others
Reflecting on her career and recent challenges, Michaela shared with MailOnline earlier this year, “I think it’s great when you’re a bit older and can still push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I’ve spent my whole career doing that, and it’s wonderful to keep going.”