Jamie Theakston 'so pleased' cancer diagnosis came after his mum died
Jamie Theakston 'so pleased' cancer diagnosis came after his mum died
The 54-year-old co-presenter of the Heart Radio breakfast show was diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
Jamie Theakston was "so pleased" his mum had died before he got cancer.
The 54-year-old co-presenter of the Heart Radio breakfast show was diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer - which affects the larynx (voice box) that helps people to breathe and speak - in September 2024, and Jamie announced in January that he is "cancer-free" before he headed back to join his co-host Amanda Holden, 54, on the airwaves.
Jamie's mum passed away on Christmas Eve in 2022 after she "wasn't strong enough" to deal with the "several different forms of cancer" she was suffering from and he is relieved that he didn't have to tell her of his own battle with the disease.
He told television presenter Davina McCall, 57, on the 'Begin Again' podcast: "When I got told I had cancer, all I could think about was my mum.
"And, I was so pleased that she had died before I got cancer because I would hate for her to have learned that I had cancer.
"Because I'm not sure what that would have done to her, because she was a survivor, she'd lived with cancer for years, had got the all-clear, came back.
Article continues below
"She had several different forms of cancer in the end, just she couldn't, wasn't strong enough to deal with [it].
"And I can't, I don't know, I'm not even sure I could have ever have told her, because I don't know what that would have done to her."
Jamie's dad has Alzheimer's disease - a cognitive condition that affects memory, thinking and other brain functioning abilities - and he said telling him about his cancer diagnosis was "easy" because he wasn't sure if his dad processed the revelation.
Admitting to Davina - who underwent surgery last November to remove a benign colloid cyst brain tumour - Jamie said: "It was easy with my dad, in a way, because my dad's been left behind.
"He struggles a bit with his memory, and he doesn't have that much clarity in the way that my mum did.
"And so, in a way, I could just tell him I was unwell.
"And I'm not sure how much he knew or does know now about how unwell I was. But I feel I don't mind that because I don't want to burden him with it.
"I often think that Alzheimer's, in many ways, is a very cruel disease. But, in many ways, it means they don't have to really be fully aware of some of the difficult things that they might have to face at that age."
And looking ahead to the future now that his cancer ordeal is behind him, Jamie hopes he will be a "better person".
Article continues below
Asked by Davina what he is "looking forward to", Jamie - who has sons Sidney, 17, and Kit, 16, with his wife Sophie Siegle - candidly admitted: "Just the rest of my life ...
"I hope it will make me be a better parent, a better broadcaster. It certainly feels like it makes me a better person."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Hobby enjoyed by millions reduces chance of getting young-onset dementia by 40 per cent, scientists discover
Getting out and about on your bike in mid-life could massively slash your risk of dementia, a study of half-a-million Britons suggests. Experts found those who used cycling as their primary mode of transport cut their chances of developing any form of dementia by almost a fifth compared to those using more sedentary modes of transport such as cars, buses or trains. Active cyclists were also found to be 40 per cent less likely to develop young-onset dementia, a form of the memory robbing disorder that strikes the under 65s and which is on the rise in the UK. For dementia specially caused by Alzheimer's disease, cycling was found to reduce the risk by 22 per cent. The authors of the study, from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, said cycling may be protecting the brain in multiple ways. Firstly, the physical effort of cycling boosts blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation in the organ, and also helps combat conditions linked to dementia risk like obesity. Secondly, the scientists theorised that cyclists were also enjoying a cognitive boost from the activity, from needing to be aware of hazards on the road to mentally mapping their route, which could also be beneficial to brain health. The researchers also found people who reported frequently cycling had on average, a larger hippocampus, part of the brain crucial to memory and learning. Writing in the journal JAMA Network Open, the authors said their findings could encourage adults to opt for a more active form of transport. 'Promoting active travel strategies, particularly cycling, may be associated with lower dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults, which carries substantial public health benefits by encouraging accessible, sustainable practices for cognitive health preservation,' they wrote. One critical finding of the study was that patients who carried the APOE-e4 gene, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's, could still benefit from cycling. APOE-e4 is carried by about one in 50 people, including the likes of Avengers star Chris Hemsworth, and has been linked to a ten-fold increased risk of Alzheimer's. Researchers observed that although the benefits of cycling on dementia risk were dampened for people with the gene—compared to those without it—the activity still had some protective affect and be encouraged in this group. The findings were based on an analysis of almost 500,000 Britons with an average of 56 at the start of the study, with the youngest being in their late 40s. This study group, which was split evenly in terms of sex, were asked what form of transport they used most to get around over the previous four weeks. Researchers then followed the health outcomes of the participants for the next 13 years, recording any dementia diagnoses and, if so, what type. At the conclusion, almost 9,000 cases of dementia and 4,000 cases of Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia were recorded. Analysis revealed those who reported cycling as their primary transport method were 19 per cent less likely to develop any form of dementia than those opting for a transport method where they sat down for long periods. The study does have some limitations, which the authors acknowledged. Firstly, is that researchers only used data on four weeks of transport method in their analysis. This means changes participants may have made in the next 13 years to their primary transport method would not have been recorded. Secondly, the research is observational meaning that while a link between cycling and reduced odds of dementia was found it cannot be proven the activity directly influenced the chances of getting the condition and not some other factor. The young-onset dementia finding comes amid a rise of the condition in Britain over the last decade. The latest figures suggest almost 71,000 people in Britain are currently living with this form of dementia, accounting for about 7.5 per cent of all dementia diagnosis. This is a rise of 69 per cent from the figure recorded in 2014. The new study, follows research published last month that found sitting or lying down for long periods could increase your risk of Alzheimer's regardless of how much exercise you do overall. Analysis by the Alzheimer's Society estimates that the overall annual cost of the dementia to the UK is £42billion a year, with families bearing the brunt. An ageing population means these costs – which include lost earnings of unpaid carers – are set to soar to £90billion in the next 15 years. Around 944,000 in the UK are thought to be living with dementia, while the figure is thought to be around seven million in the US. Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time. Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Wales Online
Heat-health alert issued with temperatures forecast to hit 30C
Heat-health alert issued with temperatures forecast to hit 30C The alert, the first of its kind this year, is in place from 9pm on Thursday to 8am on Sunday (Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images ) A yellow heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as the Met Office forecasts temperatures of 30C on Friday. The alert, the first of its kind this year, is in place from 9pm on Thursday to 8am on Sunday and covers the East of England, the East Midlands, London and the South East. Under UKHSA and the Met Office's Weather-Health alerting system, a yellow alert means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people. It may lead to an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "Our findings show that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. "The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. Article continues below "If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice." The Met Office has also issued yellow thunderstorm warnings as the warmer weather arrives. Warnings have been issued for parts of south-west England, South Wales and Northern Ireland for Wednesday night and Thursday. A further warning has been issued for south-east England and East Anglia from Friday afternoon into early Saturday. Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said, "A weather system will push northwards through tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and a risk of thunderstorms to parts of southwest England, most of Wales, and later into Northern Ireland. "40mm of rain could fall in 3 hours or less, leading to the potential for disruption. Further thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon across England and Wales, moving quickly northwards with hail and lightning. Article continues below "Temperatures will remain high, with 26 or 27C possible again in the north Midlands and parts of north London." Deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wisson said; "By Friday afternoon and evening, heavy and thundery showers are likely to spread across southeastern England and East Anglia, tracking north-eastwards overnight. "With much of the rain falling in a short space of time, there is a risk of impacts such as surface water flooding. Frequent lightning, gusty winds and hail could pose additional hazards."
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
Symptoms every pet owner should check for during summer
Symptoms every pet owner should check for during summer A vet said it is "important to watch out" for a number of symptoms in your pets during summer A vet shared the symptoms pet owners should look for (Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images ) A vet has urged pet owners to be aware the signs of hay fever in their furry friends during the summer months. While hay fever is a well-known cause of discomfort for up to one in five Brits, it may come as a surprise that pets can also be affected. Unlike humans who typically exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes, pets with pollen allergies often show signs through their skin. These can include itchiness, redness, or irritation. As the weather warms and plants release more pollen, your pet's skin may become increasingly uncomfortable, reports the Express. Pets at Home Veterinary Services Director, Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, has outlined the key symptoms to look out for and how best to treat them. Symptoms of 'hay fever' in dogs and cats She explained: "This can cause your pet's skin to appear red, sore, or flaky and, in very severe cases, can lead to the skin getting infected and them losing patches of fur. Make sure to seek advice from your vet if the skin becomes particularly inflamed. Dr Butler-Davies also highlighted the importance of tracking your pet's symptoms, saying: "It's also worth remembering that different kinds of pollen can trigger 'hay fever' in your pet, so keeping a diary of their symptoms can help you identify the most probable cause." A vet shared a number of symptoms pet owners should look for (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Treating a pet's 'hay fever' When it comes to treatment, she advised: "It's always best to consult your vet to determine whether your pet's symptoms are indeed 'hay fever' and then discuss the most suitable treatments. This could encompass a variety of options, which your vet will guide you through. "It's important to remember that skin irritation can also be caused by other conditions, including allergies to something other than pollen, such as fleas, dust mites or something your pet has eaten. "If you're unsure, or if you have any questions about 'hay fever', it's always best to book an appointment with your vet." Article continues below Reducing the impact of 'hay fever' Dr Sam advised on mitigating the effects of 'hay fever' in pets: "While you can't prevent 'hay fever' entirely, there are steps you can take that can help decrease your pet's exposure to pollen." She added: "If possible, avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest, which is usually around midday in the months between late March and September. It's best to go for walks early in the morning or late at night instead, when the pollen count is lower - the Met Office shares the latest pollen forecast on its website. "Gently wiping your pet's coat and feet after they've been outside will help to remove some of the pollen. On top of that regularly washing their bedding and vacuuming the house will be beneficial by removing any pollen that has found its way indoors."
