Strictly’s Dr Punam Krishan reveals she is battling cancer as she shares ‘shock’ diagnosis
Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan has revealed she has been quietly battling breast cancer, sharing the devastating diagnosis with fans in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday.
The much-loved doctor and TV presenter, 42, said she was told the life-changing news five months ago and admitted she has been taken “to some very dark places” since.
Dr Punam, who competed on the BBC show in 2024, explained that although she has been living in fear, she has learned to take everything “one day at a time.”
She wrote: ‘Here goes… Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer. I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth’
Punam explained that she had a ‘gut instinct’ that something was wrong and urged fans to get checked early
She wrote:
“Here goes… Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer.
I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.
“I’ve spent almost two decades as a doctor supporting patients and families through devastating diagnoses — yet nothing prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself. The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.”
The Morning Live resident doctor went on to confirm she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Since then, I’ve taken things one day at a time because that’s all I could do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be cared for by the most extraordinary NHS team, from my GP to my breast and oncology teams. And still… it’s been really hard — much harder than I ever imagined.”
She revealed she kept her illness private throughout treatment, determined to protect her children.
“I tried to protect my energy, and most of all my kids. My husband, family and a small circle of friends carried me through in ways I’ll never forget. When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what — and who — truly matters.”
Punam said she was prompted to speak out after completing treatment, admitting that keeping the diagnosis to herself had become overwhelming.
“I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once. I’m sharing this now because carrying it quietly has been heavy — and because I believe in honesty.”
She urged followers to trust their instincts, revealing that it was a “gut feeling” that first alerted her to something being wrong.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor — and yet, here I am. Early detection saves lives. It saved mine. Please know your body, trust yourself, and act early if something doesn’t feel right.”
Dr Punam described how confronting her own mortality had changed her forever.
“This experience has taken me to very dark places mentally — but it has also stripped life back to what truly matters. Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.”
Support flooded in from her Strictly family, including former dance partner Gorka Marquez and fellow breast-cancer survivor Amy Dowden.
Gorka wrote: “I know you and I know you will get through this — and we will be sitting having a coffee and a croissant.”
Amy added: “You’ve got this, pink sister.”
Dr Punam is married to Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane and shares two children with him — son Aarish, 12, and daughter Ellora, five. She is a regular on BBC Morning Live, hosts Radio Scotland’s Phone-In Surgery, and is the author of How To Be A Doctor And Other Life-Saving Jobs and You And Your Body.
