Sky Sports presenter Jo Wilson has revealed her devastation over being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, only to be told that the diagnosis was incorrect.
In September 2022, Wilson shared that she’d been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer following a smear test.
In April the following year, she announced that she was cancer-free, saying at the time: ‘I felt a great wave of emotion when I heard the news. I started crying because I just couldn’t believe it.’
In a new Instagram post, the TV presenter explained that in February, she underwent her three-year scan, after which she was informed that her cancer had returned in a lymph node.
‘I couldn’t believe it – it felt like my whole world had crumbled all over again,’ she wrote in her caption, alongside a picture of her with a cannula in her arm.
However, after she was referred to the high-dose radiotherapy team, there was one consultant she spoke to who ‘questioned whether the diagnosis was actually correct’.
‘What followed were five months of tests, scans, waiting and uncertainty before, last week, I finally got the news I’d been desperately hoping for: it wasn’t cancer after all,’ she outlined.
‘The lymph node is now thought to be a benign neuroma – a cluster of nerves that was likely inflamed at the time of my original scan.’
Wilson, who’s 41, told her 51,000 followers how she felt ‘indescribable relief’ after being given the news, but had also suffered a huge ‘emotional toll’ over the past five months, from first believing that her cancer had returned, and then not knowing for sure.
‘Living with that uncertainty was incredibly hard. On the outside, life carried on – I worked, was being a mum, played (lots of) padel, spent time with friends and family, and smiled for photos. But underneath it all, I was carrying something very heavy, and there were times I found myself in some very dark places,’ she said.
In her caption, Wilson explained why she felt it was important to share her life update, emphasising how, in her view, even if someone is ‘cancer-free’, she’s ‘not sure any of us ever truly feel free of it’.
‘The fear of recurrence can stay with you long after treatment ends, and I think it’s important we talk about that reality. If you’re someone living beyond a cancer diagnosis, please know you’re not alone,’ she wrote.
She continued, explaining that while her Instagram feed might have been filled with ‘lots of happy moments’ over the past few months, the social media platform ‘is a highlight reel’, as it doesn’t give the full picture of what people might be going through behind the scenes.
‘And finally, because we never really know what someone else is carrying. A friend, a colleague, the person serving you coffee or standing next to you in the supermarket – they could be fighting a battle you know nothing about,’ she added.
‘So this is simply a reminder to be kind. Always ❤️ Thank you to my incredible support network, you know who you are 🫶🏼.’
Wilson, who shares a daughter with her husband Dan McGrath, was flooded with support in the comments.
‘What a superwoman 💪 you are one of the strongest people I know. I can’t imagine how tough the last few months have been but the way you have dealt with it has been an inspiration ❤️❤️❤️,’ Gail Davis commented.
‘Could not be more proud of how you have navigated this. So lucky to call you such a good friend, wonderful wonderful news 🩷🫶🏼xx,’ Hayley McQueen wrote.
‘You are truly inspirational to have gone through what you have and still be so vulnerable and honest yet strong! It shows who you are as a person! Thank you for being you and keep on telling your story! ❤️👏,’ Zarah Connolly added.
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.