After cancer I had DNA test, but to find health risks not ancestors

Former Countryfile host Julia Bradbury has overhauled her life since her 2021 diagnosis, from everything she eats right down to what she puts on her skin

- BY ADRIAN MONTI

Only a few years ago, Julia Bradbury would have eaten a bowl of sugary cereal or a slice of toast and jam for breakfast. But now things are very different.

"I start my day with a huge plate of vegetables, everything from broccoli, cabbage, French beans, leeks, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms or whatever might be in season," says the former Countryfile star.

"I don't know if I'm going to get much fibre the rest of the day, so I start with this just in case."

Julia's breakfast revolution is part of a total overhaul of all aspects of her health after she was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in 2021 and underwent a mastectomy.

Today, still thankfully cancer-free, she is hugely aware of everything she eats, drinks and even puts on her skin.

"Having cancer made a huge change in my life and I would like to say it changed my life for the better," reveals the 54-year-old married mum who has three children.

"I was fortunate in that although my diagnosis was slightly complicated, it was still at an early stage. I've taken that as a warning and in that way, yeah, it has been life changing."

TOXINS

Julia has since undergone lots of tests to discover more about her own body. These included a DNA test - "but not the ones about finding long lost cousins or ancestors," she jokes.

"This one tells you about your genetic wiring from a health perspective. I found I'm genetically predisposed not to handle toxins very well. And I might be predisposed to developing Type 2 diabetes, so I knew I had to make big changes."

Julia, renowned as a keen walker on her many TV shows, put all areas of her life under the microscope.

"I cut out using perfume for instance because I didn't want all these chemicals which perfumes often contain on my skin," continues Julia.