Davina McCall, the well-known TV presenter famous for her roles on shows like Big Brother and The Masked Singer, has recently shared some significant updates surrounding her health after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour. At 57 years old, McCall is not only famed for her talent but has also passionately advocated for women's health, particularly during and after menopause. This dedication has played a significant role in her health scare, which culminated with her undergoing brain surgery to remove a colloid cyst, identified as "very rare" and benign.
Last week, McCall revealed on her Instagram account the diagnosis she had received during what was intended to be preventive health checks related to her menopause advocacy work. After being offered a health scan as part of this initiative, she found out she had this unusual type of brain tumour, which affects only about three individuals per million. This shocking news led to her surgical procedure, which her partner Michael Douglas described as successful, indicating it was conducted "textbook" style.
McCall’s health update came after she had spent time recovering post-surgery. She moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU)—a precautionary measure by her medical team—after having made what Douglas termed "an enormous leap forward". He expressed immense relief, noting the progress she made within just 24 hours following her exit from the ICU. "Massive relief to see some light breaking through," he posted, showing gratitude for the support she received during this challenging time.
Despite her optimistic recovery update, Douglas had initially stated McCall felt "utterly exhausted" soon after the operation. The surgery involved removing the 14mm cyst through craniotomy, which entails temporarily removing part of the skull to access the brain safely. McCall had been candid about the concerns of this process, emphasizing the necessity to remove the cyst to prevent any potential complications if it continued to grow.
"It needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad," she explained to her followers, shedding light on the importance of her procedure. Originally, she had been hesitant, burying her head somewhat after the diagnosis, but after seeking multiple opinions from neurosurgeons, she recognized the necessity of taking decisive action.
Following the surgery, McCall is slated to remain off-grid for personal recovery time, even stating, "I don’t want you to worry about me—I'm doing enough of it already." Her light-hearted approach to addressing the situation mirrors her resilience, as she consistently emphasizes her trust in her medical team throughout her health revelations.
For McCall, who began experiencing perimenopausal symptoms at 44, these health challenges are not stranger to her. She has bravely shared her experiences with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on various platforms, stating the benefits vastly outweighed any negatives she might face. Through her platforms, she has sought to articulate the challenges often faced by women going through menopause, and position herself as both an advocate and educator on these issues.
This isn’t her first foray advocating for change either. Last year, Davina was recognized with numerous accolades, including being named MBE during the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to broadcasting. McCall’s documentary work on women’s health topics, including Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and the Menopause, has continuously sought to normalize discussions surrounding these challenges.
During this difficult period, many fans and friends have rallied to show their support, with well-wishing messages flooding both her and Douglas’ social media accounts. Star-studded names like Holly Willoughby and Claudia Winkleman expressed their delight at McCall’s recovery updates. This community support has no doubt helped bolster McCall’s spirits as she navigates her recovery process.
The upcoming weeks are set to be pivotal as she transitions back to daily life following her time spent recovering. Despite undergoing surgery, McCall remains committed to her work, including her podcast Begin Again, which she had already pre-recorded episodes for prior to her surgery to continue her engagement with fans and audiences during her recovery. Funny yet serious, she expressed determination about not allowing this health scare to pause her life entirely, stating her belief in empowering people to embrace midlife as transformative.
According to medical sources, colloid cysts are growths found deep within the brain and can often go unnoticed until they begin causing symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Continued growth can lead to fluid buildup and may require urgent action, as seen with McCall. Experts note the increasing diagnosis rates correspond with advancements in imaging technologies, like MRI and CT scans, which help detect these cases more effectively. Brain Tumour Research indicates approximately 255 individuals are diagnosed with colloid cysts annually within the UK.
Recovery from her surgery usually ranges from several weeks to months, depending on individual health backgrounds and situations. McCall’s focus will shift toward self-care with the hopes of returning fully to her vibrant role as not only a TV presenter but also as an advocate for women’s health.
With everything she’s endured, Davina McCall's steadfast commitment to her health advocacy and her candid sharing of personal struggles inspire many. Observing her progress serves as not only reassurance to her fans but also emphasizes the importance of proactive health measures, especially for women, who often prioritize their health less than they might focus on family or work commitments. Her story is significant—not just for the insights it provides on brain health—but also as encouragement to maintain one's self-advocacy when it feels most challenging to do so.
