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George Alagiah undergone more than 100 rounds of chemotherapy as he shares update on stage four cancer-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro
The broadcaster returned to work at BBC News.
George Alagiah opened up about his cancer (Picture: Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)
George Alagiah has revealed he has undergone more than 100 rounds of chemotherapy and has spent a lot of the past 18 months in ‘extreme pain’ as he shared an update on his stage four bowel cancer.
The BBC newsreader, who still broadcasts on a regular basis, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and again in 2017.
He has now explained he has a ‘tumour site’ at the base of his back and said that sometimes even lying down has made it worse.
Speaking to The Telegraph, he also corrected reports that he has undergone 17 rounds of chemotherapy, saying the number is closer to 100.
George has low doses for three quarters of the year, and high doses for the rest.
He said of the pain: ‘The thing about bowel cancer is, it is all about poo and bums and people don’t like talking about them.
‘But I have discomfort all the way from my mouth to my bum. And that becomes acute after three days of chemo. Usually by about a week later it is beginning to be better.’
He recently returned to broadcasting (Picture: PA)
However, the legendary broadcaster is still determined to continue with presenting BBC One’s News at Six, and says being in the studio mentally rejuvenates him.
Asked about what happens if the pain hits while he is broadcasting, he added to the outlet: ‘It is incredible what adrenaline will do. It is invented by nature to get you through anything.’
The BBC News journalist returned to the broadcaster earlier this year, after stepping back from his duties in 2021 amid treatment.
He previously said the time since his diagnosis allowed him to reflect on having to be vulnerable and when recently asked about what wisdom he would give, while on the Desperately Seeking Wisdom podcast, he said: ‘I think it would be to constantly ask the question, ‘What is it we can do together?’
George was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014. He later said it had spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
He returned to presenting duties in 2015 after making progress against the disease, and said he was a ‘richer person’ for it.
His cancer returned in December 2017, and the presenter underwent further treatment before once again returning to work.
Doctors discovered in 2020 that the cancer had also spread to his lungs in April after he tested positive for Covid-19 in March.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
MORE : George Alagiah announces return to BBC News after months of cancer treatment
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