Esther Rantzen Illness And Health Update, Does Esther Rantzen Have Cancer?
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Updated Sep 17, 2024
Esther Rantzen Illness And Health Update
Dame Esther Rantzen, 84, has stage four lung cancer and is receiving treatment while living "from scan to scan." In December 2023, she started a "miracle" treatment to help manage her illness. However, Esther has joined Dignitas, an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland, as she considers ending her life if the treatment does not work.
In the UK, assisted dying is illegal, and her daughter Rebecca Wilcox has spoken about the emotional toll this situation is taking on the family. Rebecca shared that it feels like "time is slipping away," comparing it to living in an hourglass.
Rebecca has also expressed concerns about facing legal trouble for helping her mother, as she could face up to 14 years in prison for assisting Esther's wish to die. The family is advocating for changes in UK laws to allow individuals the choice of a dignified death.
Does Esther Rantzen Have Cancer?
Yes, Esther Rantzen has cancer. In January 2023, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which is a serious form of the disease. Stage 4 means that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, making it difficult to treat.
She has been open about her condition and has shared that she is undergoing treatment to help manage the cancer, including taking targeted drugs that aim to slow down its growth. Rantzen has used her diagnosis to talk about important issues like assisted dying, which is when people with terminal illnesses choose to end their lives in a controlled and painless way.
She believes that people should have the right to choose how they die if they are suffering from a terminal illness. Despite her diagnosis, she continues to stay positive and celebrate life, mentioning that she feels lucky to still be here.
Who is Esther Rantzen?
Esther Rantzen is a British TV presenter and journalist, best known for creating and hosting the long-running show That's Life! from 1973 to 1994, which focused on consumer rights and social issues. She is also a well-known charity founder and advocate. In 1986, she started Childline, a helpline for children in danger or distress. Later, she founded The Silver Line, a support line for lonely older people.
Throughout her life, Esther has campaigned for better care for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and disabled people. She has written books and appeared on reality TV shows like I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, and even ran for Parliament in 2010. Esther has received many honors, including being made a Dame (DBE) for her work helping children and older people. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 but remains an important public figure in the UK.
Full Name | Dame Esther Rantzen |
Birthdate | June 22, 1940 |
Birthplace | Hampstead, London, England |
Nationality | British |
Profession | Television Presenter,
Journalist, Author, Activist |
Notable Works | That's Life!, Childline,
The Big Time, The Silver Line |
Charity Work | Founder of Childline,
The Silver Line; Patron of 55 charities; Advocate for the elderly and children |
How Old is Esther Rantzen?
Esther Rantzen was born on June 22, 1940, which makes her 84 years old as of 2024. She is a famous British TV presenter, best known for her work on the show That’s Life!, which she hosted for over 20 years. Besides being on TV, she has done a lot of work to help others, especially children and older people. In 1986, she started Childline, a phone service for children who need help, and later, she created The Silver Line, a helpline for older people who feel lonely.
Esther Rantzen Career
Esther Rantzen is a well-known British TV presenter and journalist. She became famous in the 1970s for hosting the show That’s Life!, a popular program that ran for over 20 years. The show mixed serious stories with funny moments, and Esther was loved for her warm, friendly style.
Besides her TV work, Esther has spent much of her career helping others. In 1986, she created Childline, a free phone service for children in danger or needing help. This service has helped millions of kids over the years. Later, in 2013, she launched The Silver Line, a helpline for older people who feel lonely.
Esther is also known for raising awareness of important issues, like mental health and child protection. For her contributions, she has received many awards, including being made a Dame, which is a high honor in the UK. Even in her 80s, she continues to support charitable causes.