DENISE SCOTT 'JOHN'S DEVOTION SAVED ME'

Surviving cancer has turned her thoughts to marriage with partner John

- Words: Craig Bennett

Reflecting on her brutal 18 month breast cancer fight, plucky comedy queen Denise Scott bursts into a hearty laugh as she reveals colouring books and plenty of hugs saved her sanity during the gruelling treatments.

"It was an aggressive cancer and, being honest, it was terrifying.

I was diagnosed in January 2023, and immediately a grim sense of uncertainty descended. Fear, coupled with the debilitating effects of the medication, obliterated my sense of humour.

"I found nothing to laugh about and that, for me, was scary," the beloved TV presenter, 70, movingly recounts at Woman's Day's exclusive photoshoot in Melbourne.

FAMILY SUPPORT

"What saved me from spiralling into an out-of-control hopelessness was the unwavering love and support of family and friends."

Denise explains that after five months of intensive chemotherapy and a lumpectomy she excitedly thought her treatment had finished.

"I was then told the chemo hadn't worked, there was still cancer present in my breast and lymph nodes. So another nine months of a different chemo and six weeks of radiation."

The affliction made her relationship with her family even stronger.

"My partner John Lane, our kids Jordie and Bonnie, grandkids Lennie and Angelina, plus our dogs Lambkins and Yoga were remarkable in lifting my depleted spirits. John became the most amazing carer.