Carol McGiffin, a long-time star of Loose Women, has opened up about the lasting impact of her breast cancer treatment, admitting that she hasn’t “felt well” for over a decade. The candid confession comes 11 years after her shock diagnosis with triple-negative breast cancer in 2014, which led to a year of intense treatment. 

Carol, who spotted a lump while on holiday but didn’t mention it until she could see her doctor, was quick to face her diagnosis head-on. “I knew from the moment I saw the doctor it was cancer,” she recalled. “It was a bit like, ‘Oh, right then. I know what this is about.’”

After undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, Carol thought she was on the path to recovery, but the side effects of the treatment have stayed with her. “It wasn’t the cancer that made me feel ill, it was the chemotherapy,” she explained.

Despite trying various alternative therapies like yoga, massages, and meditation, Carol is skeptical of the wellness industry, calling it a “big waste of time and money.” Instead, she believes the secret to good health lies in living a relaxed, fulfilling life. “I focus on eating a Mediterranean diet, living in a sunny climate, and not depriving myself of anything,” she shared.

Carol’s approach to her cancer diagnosis was pragmatic. “Cancer is not the death sentence it used to be if it’s caught early,” she said. “I thought: ‘So what if I’ve got breast cancer? Thousands of women get it every year. I’ll get through this.’”

Reflecting on her lifestyle and how it may have contributed to her illness, she added, “I could give up drinking tomorrow and still get it. I would be miserable, so what would be the point?”

Her honest and brave stance on both her health and how she’s handled the challenges of the past decade will resonate with many. Carol continues to live life on her own terms, refusing to let cancer define her.