Sunrise host Natalie Barr is a firm audience favourite. Her lighthearted and likeable personality gets viewers to tune in time and time again just to see her light up their screen.
However, on June 25th, we saw a different side to the host as she bravely shared the news that she’s undergoing treatment for cancer.
“I had a pimple on my nose that wouldn’t go away. Plus I reckon it had been couple of years since I had a skin check, so I went the dermatologist,” Natalie shared with viewers in a segment that showed her attending a clinic to seek treatment.
“He said it was skin cancer — this tiny little dot on my nose. The good thing is I got it really early. And there’s not much treatment,” she confirmed.
“After a biopsy was taken, it did confirm that I had a small skin cancer. The good news, it could be treated non-surgically.”
NATALIE BARR CANCER TREATMENT
The mum of two sons assured viewers that she would be fine. She will get the cancer successfully removed following another round of treatment later this week.
Her co-host Matt Shirvington asked Natalie “how nervous” she was when the doctor uttered the three words nobody ever wants to hear – you have cancer.
“You sort of go ‘Oh my god’. So many Aussies, millions and millions of us have skin cancer. But it does make you think,” she said.
REGULAR SKIN CHECK-UPS
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to Cancer Council NSW, roughly two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Natalie is opening up about her personal health battle, hoping that she can encourage others to get regular skin check-ups.
And at least one person was swayed. Matt mentioned that while the segment was airing, fellow Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew booked in for an appointment.
.png?resize=380%2C285&ssl=1)
.png?resize=380%2C285&ssl=1)