Dame Esther Rantzen Plans Early Christmas Amid Cancer Battle

Veteran broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen is planning an "official" early Christmas celebration with her children and five grandchildren, acknowledging the possibility she may not live to see the actual festive day. Diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 lung cancer in January 2023, Dame Esther, 85, did not expect to survive past the following Christmas, yet she has now reached several milestones.

Dame Esther has revealed that she is no longer receiving medical treatment, as her doctors determined that the side effects were more detrimental than beneficial. While the cancer is progressing slowly, she has also experienced "scanxiety," a term used by cancer patients for the anxiety surrounding medical scans. Despite these challenges, she continues her advocacy for the legalisation of assisted dying.

The Assisted Dying Bill has progressed through the House of Commons and is now with the House of Lords, offering renewed hope to Dame Esther and other terminally ill individuals. She has found purpose in this campaign, ordering tulip bulbs for spring and ensuring a turkey for her family's Christmas, demonstrating a forward-looking spirit amidst her health concerns.