When television presenter Edwina Bartholomew turned 40, she decided to get a health check-up. That decision changed her life. “I thought I was just getting a baseline of my health,” Edwina explained. “But those tests discovered I already had chronic myeloid leukemia.”

A Shocking Diagnosis

Edwina had no symptoms. She put her tiredness down to years of shift work and parenting two young children. “It came as a real shock,” she said. “The only sign was fatigue, but who isn’t tired with kids and shift work?”

The diagnosis could have been devastating. Twenty years ago, treatment would have likely meant a bone marrow transplant. Today, Edwina manages her condition with a daily tablet. “It’s pretty much in remission,” she shared. “I’ve had such a great response to the medication. The traces are very low.”

Speaking Out for Others

When Edwina announced her diagnosis on Sunrise, the response was overwhelming. “It opened up a conversation about general health, particularly for women,” she said. “We often put ourselves last.”

Every week, people from across Australia contact her for advice or encouragement. Many share stories of symptoms they ignored. Her message is clear: don’t wait. “If you have that gut feeling something’s not right, get checked.”

The Reality of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia. Every day, 55 Australians are diagnosed. Tragically, 17 of them will not survive.

“There are more than 30 different kinds of blood cancers,” Edwina explained. “Some are manageable, others far more aggressive.”

She also highlighted a troubling gap between city and regional survival rates. “In rural areas, survival is 14% lower due to limited access to care.”

Lessons in Self-Care

This past year has taught Edwina an important lesson. “I can’t just push through anymore,” she admitted. “I need to understand my limits and take care of myself.”

She encourages women especially to stop feeling guilty about prioritising their health. “Being well isn’t selfish, it’s essential,” she said. “Slow down, carve out time for yourself, and ask for help when you need it.”

Supporting the Cause

As an ambassador for the Leukemia Foundation, Edwina now uses her voice to raise awareness and advocate for better support. “There’s no guide to getting better post-treatment,” she said. “We need more focus on recovery, mental health, and ongoing care.”

She urges Australians to get involved, whether by supporting fundraising campaigns like the World’s Greatest Shave, or simply by spreading awareness. “The earlier you detect it, the better your chance of survival,” she said. “That’s the message we need to keep sharing.”

Listen to Edwina’s full conversation with Doug on Table Talk below.