Veteran CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned, four years after she was first treated for the illness in 2021.
The 67-year-old anchor, who has been off air for the past month, explained her absence during an appearance on the Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story podcast. She shared that her cancer had resurfaced in what she described as a “fairly rare” form, but assured listeners that it was being “very well managed.”
“I have it again, but it’s being very well managed, and this is one of the things people need to understand about some cancers,” Amanpour said.
She added that when she returned to television after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she chose to speak publicly about her diagnosis to raise awareness.
“I decided to share my story not just with my viewers but with anyone who might be facing something similar. I wanted people to know what had happened to me and remind them to listen to their bodies. Quick care saved me because I acted as soon as I noticed something was wrong,” she said.
Joined on the podcast by gynecologic oncology consultant Dr. Angela George, Amanpour explained that her current cancer was diagnosed as “stage 1/2,” meaning it was still in its early stages but had “adhered to the pelvis.”
“Angela told me what it was and why I was actually fortunate — because I had pain symptoms. Many women don’t have any symptoms at all, so I consider myself lucky,” she added.
Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor since joining the network in 1983, first revealed her battle with ovarian cancer in 2021. At the time, she underwent major surgery and began several months of chemotherapy, expressing optimism about her recovery.
“I’ve had successful major surgery to remove it and I’m now undergoing several months of chemotherapy for the best possible long-term prognosis,” she said back then.
She also used that moment to draw attention to the prevalence of ovarian cancer, which she noted affects “millions of women around the world.”
Expressing gratitude for the care she received, Amanpour said she felt fortunate to have “excellent doctors and health insurance” and praised the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Concluding her remarks, Amanpour urged women everywhere to stay proactive about their health:
“I’m sharing this in the interest of transparency and as a call for early diagnosis. Educate yourself about this disease, go for regular screenings, listen to your body, and make sure your medical concerns are never ignored or dismissed.”
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