Davina McCall has shared with her fans the tough news of her diagnosis with a "very rare" brain tumor. Known for her vibrant presence on British television, especially as the host of Big Brother, the 57-year-old star has always been open about her health issues, and this time is no different.
On November 15, McCall took to Instagram to reveal her diagnosis to her followers. She explained her recent health scare began after she participated in a menopause talk organized by a health company. To her dismay, the routine health scan included by the company revealed something unexpected: she had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst.
Notably, she mentioned this type of cyst is rather unusual, affecting only about three people per million. McCall, still coming to terms with the diagnosis, has faced the challenges head-on. "I slightly put my head in the sand for a little bit," she admitted, acknowledging her initial reaction to the shocking news.
The colloid cyst itself is akin to fluid-filled sacs forming within the brain, often appearing without initial symptoms but potentially causing problems if they grow. According to medical sources, benign tumors like these do not spread like cancerous ones, but they can still cause significant health issues by disrupting the brain's normal functions.
McCall elaborated on the cyst's size, noting it measures 14mm wide. "It needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad," she conveyed to her audience, urging them to keep her in their thoughts as she looked toward surgery.
Prepared for action, McCall will undergo surgery via craniotomy. This surgical procedure involves temporarily removing part of the skull to access the brain and remove the cyst. It’s typically performed under general anesthesia, and recovery can vary from patient to patient.
Right after the announcement, her partner, Michael Douglas, who is also her hairstylist, joined her on the video, offering supportive words and humor to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He promised to keep pushing updates to her followers during her recovery.
McCall mentioned she expects to be hospitalized for approximately nine days following the surgery. "I don't want you to worry about me. I'm doing enough of worrying myself," she reassured her followers, emphasizing her positive mindset and her complete faith in her medical team.
The weight of support from fans and fellow celebrities has poured in since her announcement. Numerous friends from the industry have sent their love and good wishes, including heartwarming messages from her fellow TV personalities and friends. Presenter Rylan Clark expressed his support, saying, "We’re all thinking of you, beautiful," encapsulating the sentiment of countless fans reaching out to McCall.
Veteran presenter Amanda Holden and comedian Alan Carr also chimed in with encouraging words. A common thread among the messages was gratitude for McCall for being brave enough to share her story, shining a light on her situation, which may help others facing similar health challenges.
McCall is not new to tackling serious health topics publicly. She has long advocated for women’s health issues, particularly focusing on menopause awareness following personal experiences, effectively breaking the taboo surrounding such discussions. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she played a pivotal role in raising the demand for hormone replacement therapy after her documentary on the subject.
Reflecting on her career, she remains committed to destigmatizing women's health issues, demonstrating her passion for the topic through her TV work and writings. Recently, she co-authored Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring, which sheds light on the transformative aspects of menopause.
Leading up to her surgery date, McCall's health has undeniably become the focal point for many, prompting discussions on the significance of routine health checks and the need for awareness about conditions many may not even know exist, like colloid cysts.
According to the brain tumor charity organizations, awareness and research are still needed for such rare conditions; McCall’s openness adds personal motivation to these initiatives. Her willingness to share not just her diagnosis, but also her emotional responses, has empowered others grappling with their health issues to voice their concerns.
On top of all this, McCall underlines her belief and trust not only in her health team but also in herself and her ability to conquer this obstacle. "I'll see you on the other side," she optimistically concluded, leaving her followers with hope and reassurance.
Davina McCall continues to capture hearts with her resilience and positivity, reminding everyone of the importance of addressing health issues and supporting each other through tough times. Through all the highs and lows, her spirit shines brightly, encouraging many to prioritize their health and well-being.
