Television presenter Davina McCall, beloved for her candidness and warmth, has once again found herself at the center of public attention—this time for a deeply personal reason. On November 8, 2025, McCall revealed via Instagram that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in her breast about five weeks earlier. The news, which she shared in a moving video, has prompted an outpouring of support and reignited conversations around breast cancer awareness, early detection, and the unique challenges faced by women with dense breast tissue.
McCall’s journey began in a rather ordinary setting: the toilets at ITV’s Lorraine studio. She recounted spotting posters urging women to check their breasts—a reminder that proved lifesaving. “I found a lump a few weeks ago, and it came and went,” McCall explained, as reported by The Mirror. Spurred by the posters and encouragement from her friend and fellow TV host Lorraine Kelly, she decided to get the lump checked. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the worst: it was indeed breast cancer.
“I underwent a biopsy and it was indeed breast cancer and I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago,” McCall shared on Instagram. She described her immense relief at learning the cancer had been caught “very, very early,” and that it hadn’t spread. “But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn’t spread,” she added, echoing sentiments captured by The i Paper. As a precaution, McCall will undergo five days of radiotherapy in January 2026—her “insurance policy” to help ensure the cancer never returns.
The diagnosis, however, came as a bitter blow, especially considering McCall had undergone surgery for a rare benign brain tumor just a year prior. She did not hide her initial anger and frustration. During a charity event, she admitted, “I got really fing angry. And you know me, I’m a pacifist—I don’t really get angry—I’m like Tigger. I’m just always happy. I was like: ‘Are you fg joking? What the fk! Are you serious?’” McCall recounted how her partner, Michael Douglas, encouraged her to confront her feelings rather than bottle them up. “He said: ‘You’re not fine’. I was like: ‘No, no, I’m fine. Honestly.’ I’m not f*g fine, that’s why I’m fg mad. He just sat and he came and watched me and I was f***g stamping my feet. And it felt so good.”
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, McCall now finds herself in what she calls a “much more positive place.” She expressed gratitude to the staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where her lumpectomy was performed, as well as to her family, especially her “brilliant kids” and partner Michael. She also thanked the broader community for their support, saying, “An extra special thanks to Michael—it’s been a lot. I was very angry when I found out but I let go of that and I feel in a much more positive place now.”
McCall’s openness about her diagnosis has also shed light on a crucial but often overlooked risk factor: breast density. She revealed that she has “dense breasts,” a condition affecting about 40% of women. According to Professor Justin Stebbing, a biomedical sciences expert at Anglia Ruskin University, breast density is “a significant yet often overlooked factor in breast cancer awareness, risk assessment and screening practices.” Dense breasts contain more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat, which means both dense tissue and tumors appear white on a mammogram, making abnormalities harder to spot. This “masking effect” can lead to cancers being missed during routine screening, increasing the risk of detection at more advanced stages.
Professor Stebbing explained, “A major study involving more than 33,000 women found that those with dense breasts were nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer than those with low breast density.” The risk is present in both younger, pre-menopausal women and older, post-menopausal women. For women with the lowest breast density, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer after age 50 is about 6%, while those with the highest density face a risk closer to 15%.
What’s more, mammograms are less effective in women with dense breasts. The sensitivity of mammograms drops from about 90% in women with mostly fatty breasts to around 70% in those with extremely dense breasts. This means that even regular screening can miss cancers in a significant portion of women—a sobering fact that underscores the importance of self-examination and awareness.
Despite its prevalence, most women remain unaware of their breast density. A recent UK survey highlighted this gap, while in the US, new regulations require all women undergoing mammography to be notified if they have dense breasts. Professor Stebbing emphasized, “It is important to remember that the majority of women with dense breasts will not develop breast cancer. Breast density is just one factor among many, and decisions about screening and risk reduction should be made on an individual basis.” He advises women with dense breasts to discuss supplemental screening options with their doctors.
McCall’s story has resonated with many, not only for her vulnerability but also for her advocacy. She urged others to “get checked,” reminding the public that early detection saves lives. According to Cancer Research UK, about 56,900 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, with one in seven women developing the disease in their lifetime. The NHS recommends that people check their breasts or chest once a month and attend regular mammograms—every three years for women aged 50 to 71.
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or swelling in the breast, chest, or armpit; changes in the skin’s appearance; nipple discharge; and persistent pain. While the vast majority of breast cancer patients are women, men can also develop the disease. Risk factors include age over 50, dense breast tissue, family history, certain benign breast conditions, and hormone levels.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk: maintaining a healthy diet, managing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. For those with a strong family history or other risk factors, genetic testing and preventive measures—ranging from medication to surgery—may be appropriate, as advised by the NHS.
Treatment for breast cancer varies depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgery remains the mainstay, often accompanied by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Hormone therapy and immunotherapy are also common, targeting the specific mechanisms that drive certain cancers.
As McCall prepares for her short course of radiotherapy, she stands as a testament to the power of vigilance, early detection, and speaking openly about health. Her story, while deeply personal, serves as a rallying cry for others to know their bodies, advocate for their health, and support one another through life’s unexpected challenges.
With her trademark candor and resilience, Davina McCall has turned her diagnosis into a moment of public education and solidarity—reminding us all that sometimes, a simple poster in a bathroom can change everything.
