Edwina Bartholomew’s cancer diagnosis: Nat Barr warning triggered tests

Edwina Bartholomew has thanked Natalie Barr for pushing her to get tested a month before her 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.”

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

Edwina said it was her co-star Barr who was diagnosed so quickly.

Her 56-year-old colleague was also diagnosed with cancer in June when a routine skin check discovered cancer on her nose. She spoke openly about it on Sunrise at the time.

“I had a pimple on my nose that wouldn’t go away and I think it had been a few years since I had my skin checked, so I went to the dermatologist,” Barr told viewers, in a clip that showed her heading into a clinic for treatment.

“He said it was skin cancer – this little dot on my nose. The good thing is I got it really early and there’s not much treatment,” she said.

Barr shared her story to inspire others to get tested. Moments after the segment aired, Bartholomew picked up her phone and booked an appointment for herself.

A month later, in July, Bartholomew received her shocking diagnosis. She chose to keep it private, confiding only to a few close friends at work.

“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.

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.