Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan returned to screens this morning to deliver an insightful and brave account of her cancer treatment journey.
The 58-year-old swapped the greenery of Britain's countryside synonymous with Springwatch to visit fellow cancer survivors who've faced the illness and struggled with accepting their bodies after treatment.
Strachan underwent a double mastectomy following her diagnosis a decade ago and admitted it has taken her the best part of 10 years to "love her scars".
Speaking to BBC viewers, she said: "It's been 10 years since I've had my double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and a decade later I've learned to love my scars.
"They tell my unique story of survival and resilience but that acceptance has taken time. At first, it can be really tough to come to terms with the way you look after surgery."
Strachan, who recorded the segment for Morning Live, then visited fellow cancer survivors who'd similarly struggled to come to terms with the visual impact treatment had on their bodies.
Michaela Strachan admitted she struggled to accept her body after her cancer treatment
BBC
One guest named Paul bravely admitted to Strachan that he "felt less of a man" after he had his testicles removed after three cancer diagnoses but now admits he's come to terms with his body.
Reflecting on her own experience, Strachan candidly reflected: "Having been through cancer myself, I think people don't realise how confidence in your body goes.
"I think that's where people think it's about vanity but actually it's about confidence to keep going."
After meeting more survivors at a support group, Strachan explained to others: "I had a double mastectomy, and afterward, my boobs felt very hard and my friend was saying to me, 'How are you coping with them?'
It’s been 10yrs since I had breast cancer & a double mastectomy.Since then I’ve learnt to love my scars. But that has taken time. 2day on @BBCMorningLive I’m doing a piece about body acceptance after cancer treatment. I hope it gives inspiration to anyone on the cancer journey💛 pic.twitter.com/s6spppnYlM
— Michaela Strachan (@michaelastracha) June 12, 2024
"And I said, 'I'm just not liking them.' She said, 'Well why don't you name them and it might make you like them more?' But I said, 'But they're hard like coconuts!' And she said, 'Well, Pina Colada then!' So one is called Pina and the other is called Colada.
"It just made me laugh and accept it so much more and accept my new body shape."
While she may have learned to accept her body, Strachan did concede: "Of course, I'd rather have my old boobs back but I haven't and I'm here and I'm healthy and I'm well."
Strachan finished the segment by encouraging others going through cancer treatment to seek out support groups.
Sharing her story with social media followers, Strachan posted snaps from her time filming, writing to fans: "It’s been 10yrs since I had breast cancer & a double mastectomy. Since then I’ve learnt to love my scars. But that has taken time. 2day on @BBCMorningLive I’m doing a piece about body acceptance after cancer treatment. I hope it gives inspiration to anyone on the cancer journey."
Before long, Strachan was inundated with supportive messages, including one X user who replied: "You are an inspiration Michaela."
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Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham recently returned for another series of Springwatch
BBC
A second echoed: "Well done for sharing your story. As an anaesthetist doing regular breast surgery lists, I realise how important it is to be able to accept your new body and not chase the impossible."
"Well done Michaela," another weighed in. "I had breast cancer 11 years ago and had one breast removed. Never bothered me and I made sure that my husband and friends/family were happy with me being me and alive, that's all that matters."
A fourth added: "I didn’t know. I was just watching you and Chris on Springwatch and telling my husband that I have grown old with you two. You are amazing to have gone through this and are still smiling."
"I had no idea. Thanks for all your lovely nature love. Hope you’re in a good post-op place," a fifth praised before a sixth surmised: "I didn't know this Michaela. You are beautiful inside and out. Inspirational!" (sic)
