Dame Esther: I'm not good at regrets...cancer has made me realise how very lucky I've been

DAME Esther Rantzen has spoken about her illness for the first time since revealing earlier this year that she is battling lung cancer.

- Emily Retter

The 82-year-old, who said her condition is now stage four and is on a new treatment plan, insists she is "not good at regrets".

Dame Esther does not yet know if the regimen is working but said: "I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another." She revealed her diagnosis in January "because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise".

Since then the broadcaster and founder of Childline and Silver Line has been reflecting on her work, her achievements, her family and friends.

For 21 years she presented hit BBC consumer show That's Life! - which was launched 50 years ago today.

Dame Esther said: "My diagnosis of stage four lung cancer has made me realise how very lucky I've been in my life working with Childline and the