Dr Punam Krishan, the 42-year-old television doctor and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer five months ago.
The Scottish medic shared the news with her followers on Instagram on Sunday, revealing she has now finished her treatment and is in recovery.
"Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer," she wrote. "I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it's my reality and my truth."
The BBC Morning Live presenter described experiencing profound shock, fear and trauma upon receiving the news.
Punam Krishan shared that she has been diagnosed with cancer
|BBC
She admitted the experience had taken her "to very dark places mentally" but expressed gratitude and relief at completing her treatment, whilst acknowledging she remains shaken by the ordeal.
Dr Krishan has spent nearly two decades working as a GP, guiding patients and their families through difficult medical news throughout her career.
Despite her extensive professional experience, she emphasised that nothing could have prepared her for finding herself on the other side of such a conversation.
"I've spent almost 2 decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses," she explained.
"And yet, nothing - absolutely nothing - prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself."
She noted that in the moment of receiving her diagnosis, her medical knowledge offered little comfort against the overwhelming emotions.
The NHS GP, who also appears on BBC Radio Scotland's Phone In Surgery, had no family history of the disease and considered herself to be in good health.
Dr Krishan stressed that detecting the cancer early had been crucial to her survival, crediting her own intuition for prompting her to seek medical attention.
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tv doctor Punam Krishan regularly features on BC Morning Live
|BBC
"What I've learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine," she stated. "My story began with an unusual feeling - a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered."
The television doctor urged her followers to pay close attention to their bodies and seek medical advice promptly if anything feels amiss.
"Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn't feel right," she wrote.
According to NHS guidance, warning signs of breast cancer can include lumps or swelling, changes to the skin or shape of the breast, or persistent pain in the breast or armpit area.
BBC Strictly stars including Amy Dowden shared supportive messages
|Her former Strictly dance partner Gorka Marquez was among those offering support following her announcement.
"I know you and I know you will get through this, and we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant," the professional dancer commented on her post.
Amy Dowden, a fellow Strictly professional who has herself undergone treatment for breast cancer, also reached out with encouragement, writing: "You got this pink sister, sending so much love."
Dr Krishan competed in the 2024 series of the BBC dancing programme, finishing in 11th place, with comedian Chris McCausland ultimately claiming the Glitterball Trophy.
She is married to Dr Sandesh Gulhane, the Scottish Conservative health spokesman, and the couple have two children together: 12-year-old son Aarish and five-year-old daughter Ellora.