Julia Bradbury, the beloved Countryfile presenter, has opened up about the rigorous lifestyle changes she has made since being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. The 55-year-old star, who underwent a mastectomy after her diagnosis at age 51, has since dedicated herself to improving her health, and now advocates for greater awareness and preventive measures in cancer care.
The Turning Point: Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In 2021, Julia was diagnosed with a six-centimeter tumor on her left breast. While chemotherapy wasn’t required, she underwent a mastectomy and made significant adjustments to her life immediately afterward. “I was terrified and sad,” Julia recalled in an interview with The Times. “It was a very emotionally upsetting time, and my family had to witness all of it.” Despite the trauma, Julia faced the challenge head-on, deciding to overhaul her diet and lifestyle to improve her health and recovery.
Major Lifestyle Overhaul
Julia was determined to get stronger post-surgery, focusing on walking and moving quickly to heal. She completely gave up meat and sugar, two staples of her diet prior to the diagnosis. She said, “I knew I needed to move and walk as quickly as possible to heal. It was instinctive, but it also started me on a different path, and I didn’t veer from it.”
However, meat has slowly made its way back into her diet, though Julia insists on choosing organic and healthier options. “I used to live on convenience fast food—sweets, cheap sandwiches, and unhealthy meals at petrol stations. I was having sugar all day, in crazy quantities, but because I was slim, I didn’t notice any warning signs.”
Commitment to Exercise and Mental Health
Alongside her dietary changes, Julia has incorporated regular exercise, including outdoor walks, and prioritizes a consistent sleep schedule. “Getting your heart pumping around a wound area is very important, and I made sure I focused on that,” she explained. Julia’s commitment to staying fit and healthy is now intertwined with her role as a mother to her three children, Zephyr (14) and twin daughters Xanthe and Zena (11). She emphasized how vital it is for her to be a constant presence in their lives.
Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) Testing and Preventative Care
Julia has become a vocal advocate for preventative healthcare, especially for breast cancer. She took a polygenic risk score (PRS) test to assess her personal risk of developing cancer. The test, which looks at variations in DNA, was a life-changing decision, giving her a clearer understanding of her potential risks. “I truly believe this kind of testing could save lives,” she said. “It’s not just about diagnosing disease—it’s about predicting risk, preventing cancer, and empowering people with personalized information.”
Julia is now pushing for PRS and SNP testing to be more widely available on the NHS, as she believes early knowledge of one’s genetic risk can drastically improve outcomes.
Living with Purpose and Moving Forward
Julia’s journey hasn’t been just about surviving cancer—it’s about thriving in the face of it. As she continues her advocacy for preventative care, she also works on her own health and well-being, all while balancing a successful career in television and being a mother. Julia remains focused on creating a future where prevention is prioritized, rather than just reactionary treatments.
Her story is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment, and Julia continues to inspire others with her journey.
