Michaela Strachan: Cancer diagnosis was 'massive, massive shock'

Report from Heath Correspondent Lewis Vaughan Jones

Presenter Michaela Strachan has told ITV News receiving the news she had breast cancer was a "massive, massive shock".

"It was a massive, massive shock to me," the 48-year-old said.

"I don't know why, I just thought I'd never ever get cancer. I'm healthy, I'm fit, I'm vegeterian. I just didn't think I'd ever be a candidate for cancer - I don't suppose anyone ever does."

The Springwatch presenter underwent a double mastectomy on surgeons' advice, and she admits the emotional toll of the surgery hit "way afterwards".

"The emotion of losing your breasts comes way afterwards. You become very pragmatic about it. My attitude was it is what it is - I can't change the diagnosis."

She credits a routine mammogram for helping save her life, and is now encouraging other women to be screened for breast cancer.

"You get free mammograms from 50. Have them. Don't put them off because look at me - I've had two operations; I've had the reconstruction now I'm healthy.

"I've been working through it, I feel great, I'm not fighting for my life."