Edwina Bartholomew cancer: What is myeloid leukaemia – and how it is diagnosed

Edwina Bartholomew said there were “no warning signs” apart from some fatigue before she was given the shocking cancer diagnosis. She is encouraging all Australians to prioritise their health by getting tested.

The 41-year-old TV star fought back tears on the Sunrise show on Friday and confessed: “I’ve been diagnosed with cancer.”

“Um. That’s a shock to say and a hard thing to say,” she continued, her voice breaking with emotion.

“It’s a very good kind. It’s called chronic myeloid leukemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I’ll be absolutely fine.”

The veteran TV star said she wanted to tell viewers about her diagnosis in July because she had “no symptoms” apart from fatigue, and wanted to encourage viewers to get tested.

“I also had no symptoms, which is why I wanted to put out that health warning in the first place,” she said.

“I had nothing. I was tired, but hey, I wake up at 3 in the morning. So no symptoms at all. No warning signs. That’s common with this type of cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia. You often have no symptoms, it goes very slowly.

“But if I hadn’t put my health first and had the test done, the situation would have been very different.”

Chronic myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, can become very serious if left untreated.

Edwina went on to say that it was her co-star Natalie Barr who was diagnosed so quickly.

Her 56-year-old colleague was also diagnosed with cancer in June after skin cancer was discovered on her nose during a routine skin check.

Concerned about her own health, Edwina visited her doctor for a mammogram, blood tests and a skin examination, where she was given terrible news.

“I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That was all fine. I even had an eye exam. That’s fine. But my doctor sent me for routine blood tests at the same time,” Edwina continued.

One of those tests produced an incorrect level.

‘I feel very, very happy and I wanted to share this with you for a couple of reasons.

‘First of all, because everyone here at home and here has been there for all the wonderful moments, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us. It felt good to share this with you too.

“Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse situations and have come out stronger… and more resilient. That is exactly what I plan to do.”

Edwina said she also wanted to share her sad news because she wanted to encourage others to prioritize their health too.

“Please, especially for mothers who are always taking care of everyone, take care of yourself. And just go see your doctor,” she said.

The Seven star was told in July that she had suffered a shock and kept it a secret from the public, only telling a few friends at work.

She thanked all her fellow cast members for their support, specifically mentioning Natalie “for constantly checking in and [providing] all meals too’.

Edwina then nodded to her colleagues Monique Wright and Sally Bowrey ‘who divided their family commitments so that I could take care of mine’.

After thanking her bosses at Sunrise, Edwina told viewers she would be taking ‘some time off in September’ before cutting back on her work at Sunrise.

The former Dancing With The Stars co-host said she will reduce her work responsibilities to just a few days a week at Sunrise when she returns.

“Despite appearances, I feel very positive about it. It really is the most fortunate accident that has ever happened to me,” she assured viewers.

“I’m just incredibly grateful that I found it, and incredibly grateful that this is the best case scenario.”

A sympathetic Natalie held Edwina’s hand during her announcement.

“First of all, we’re really sorry you’ve had to go through this, but like you said, the treatment is pretty good. Just explain it to us,” Natalie said.

Edwina pulled herself together and explained: ‘We are so lucky. I can literally take a tablet every day. My life expectancy doesn’t change.

“I just need to take care of myself and rest. We’re incredibly lucky to have access to that in this country, and that’s the kind of [of cancer] I have.

‘Also, I’ve responded really well to the medication so far, which is fantastic. I have no side effects.

Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington also jumped in with his own words of support: ‘Eddie, like everything you do, you’ve taken this very positively.

“I know it’s strange to say that, but you did. You contacted us personally. You told us that you were going on a trip yourself.”

Edwina’s sad news quickly generated dozens of messages from people wishing her well.

“All my love and hugs, Eddie – we are with you,” wrote Georgie Tunny of The Project.

“You have this queen,” said TV presenter Jacqueline Felgate

“Lots of love, Eddy xxx,” Erin Holland added.

Meanwhile, one Sunrise viewer was shocked by the news.

“I’m still crying. What a shock,” the fan began.

My 17 [year old] son came running in and asked why i was crying. Eddie we love you. You can do this and we got you!

‘Sending lots of love to you and your immediate and extended family. What an amazing strong woman you are.

“That’s what I always thought, but you just emphasized why I and so many others know this. Take care of yourself Eddie. You are loved.”

“I’m praying for you and your entire family who are supporting you,” wrote another.

According to Mayo ClinicCML is a rare form of cancer in the bone marrow that develops very slowly.

Various symptoms may occur, including bone pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, blurred vision, and loss of appetite.

Edwina reported that she had few of these symptoms. The biggest complaint was fatigue, which she attributed to getting up at 3am every morning to go to work.

Thanks to advances in treatment, the prognosis for people with CML has improved. Most people diagnosed with the disease can go into remission and live for many years.

The Seven star has children Molly, four, and Thomas, two, with her husband of six years Neil Varcoe.