“I’m Grateful for Every Day Here on Earth”: Julia’s Candid Update on Benign Brain Cyst, Full-Body Scans, and the Lifelong Impact of Cancer – With Support from Friend Davina McCall

LONDON – November 19, 2025 – Julia Bradbury, the beloved Countryfile presenter whose infectious enthusiasm for the great outdoors has inspired millions, has shared a deeply personal health update that has left fans both heartbroken and in awe of her unyielding positivity. At 55, the TV star revealed during Wednesday’s episode of The One Show that doctors discovered a cyst in her brain during a routine full-body MRI scan—a finding that came just four years after her own breast cancer diagnosis rocked her world. Though described as benign and “nothing to worry about,” the news serves as a poignant reminder of the lingering shadows cast by her 2021 battle with the disease. “They discovered a cyst in my brain, which is nothing to worry about but it is there,” Julia said matter-of-factly, her voice steady despite the weight of the words. Friends and fans alike have rallied around her, with many echoing her sentiment of gratitude amid uncertainty.

Julia’s journey began in September 2021 when a routine mammogram uncovered a 6cm tumor in her left breast, leading to a mastectomy and a grueling course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The Irish-born presenter, known for her vibrant walks through Britain’s most scenic trails, documented her fight with unflinching honesty in the BBC documentary Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer and Me. “My cancer diagnosis was the moment for me when I started looking at my health more,” she reflected on The One Show, alongside hosts Alex Jones and Vernon Kay. Determined to reclaim control, Julia underwent extensive preventative checks: 45 vials of blood for comprehensive testing, stool samples for gut health analysis, and a full-body MRI to scan for any cancer recurrence. “I gave about 45 vials of blood, I gave poo samples to check my gut, I had a full body MRI,” she explained. The scans confirmed no spread from her breast cancer—a massive relief—but unearthed the unexpected brain cyst, located centrally near her pineal gland.

The discovery, while not immediately concerning, prompted swift action. Julia reached out to close friend Davina McCall, who had undergone brain surgery in November 2024 to remove her own colloidal cyst. Davina connected her with renowned neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill, who assured Julia it’s benign and requires monitoring. “My neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill, who is Davina’s neurosurgeon, is not concerned,” she shared. “I will be rechecking in six months’ time to check there are no signs of growth, that it isn’t taking up any valuable real estate in my brain.” Julia’s proactive approach—now including DNA testing for disease risks and a focus on sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition—stems directly from her cancer experience. “What I wanted to do was see how I could get through my cancer diagnosis, through the treatment and what I could do to help myself in terms of recovery and leading a long happy life after my cancer scare,” she said.

The update has struck a chord with fans and fellow survivors. Social media flooded with #JuliaStrong, one viewer posting: “From Countryfile trails to this fight—you’re inspiring us all to check our health.” Davina McCall reposted the clip with, “Proud of you, Jules—together we’re stronger.” Julia, married to sound engineer Gerard Cunningham since 2007, credits her husband and three children—Zephyrus, 13, and twins Xanthe and Zena, 10—for her resilience. “I’m grateful for every day here on planet Earth,” she emphasized. “I’m very mindful of my health, and it has made me really take it seriously and honour it.”

Her story aligns with rising awareness: breast cancer affects 1 in 8 UK women, and post-treatment scans often reveal incidental findings like cysts. Julia’s forthcoming book Hack Yourself Healthy (September 2025) will detail her blueprint, from DNA insights to gut checks. As she continues filming Countryfile specials, one message rings clear: “I don’t think you’re ever the same again” after cancer, but survival breeds gratitude. Julia Bradbury isn’t just surviving—she’s thriving, one mindful step at a time. For her fans, it’s a call to action: get checked, live fully, and cherish the trails ahead.