Dame Esther Rantzen gives update on 'pain' as she battles stage four cancer

Dame Esther Rantzen has been hailed as "strong and courageous" following her appearance on ITV's Lorraine where she discussed her struggle with stage 4 lung cancer. The esteemed Childline founder, aged 84, engaged in conversation with Dr Hilary about her condition, which she divulged for the first time in 2023.

Despite non-smoking related origins of her illness, Esther remains uncertain about the exact cause.

During her interview on Lorraine, she presented an honest health update, stating: "I'm much better than I thought I would be, because I've got one of these amazing new drugs which seems to be holding the cancer at bay, to my surprise."

In light of her situation, Esther has embarked on a mission to challenge UK laws regarding assisted dying, insisting Prime Minister Keir Starmer remain committed to his pre-election promise. She reflected: "I'm very, very impressed that given all the challenges you know, national and international, he remembers the conversation we had before the election in which he made it clear that this is something he does feel very strongly about, that the law at the moment is unsatisfactory."

Esther spoke passionately about the matter, adding: "Being a lawyer himself, I think he thinks it's important that laws should be just and fair and clear, which this one is not," reports the Mirror.

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Dame Esther spoke candidly: "I know, and anybody who's been in my situation and seen this happen, that memories of someone you love dying in pain can sometimes overwhelm the happy memories that you've had during their lifetime. So, I absolutely don't want that to happen to my family. I want them to remember the fun we've had, not any terminal pain I might be in."

She added forcefully: "The effect of the current law is that if I do have to go to Switzerland and Dignitas, they won't be able to come with me, because I would risk them being investigated by the police for having supported me, which is all wrong."

Talking about what she hopes will be the impact of her advocacy, she asserted: "Even if it doesn't happen in my time, I do hope that other people in my situation will be given the choice. That's all I ask, to shorten their death, if that's what they want."

Offering his perspective on the sensitive matter, Dr Hilary contributed to the discussion with Lorraine Kelly: "It was a very poignant interview, and it was great to hear her sounding strong and as courageous as always... This wouldn't be a substitute for palliative care."

He emphasized: "It would just give people the right if they're in distress, if they're losing their dignity, and if they have got mental capacity, and they make the decision, it should be a choice for them to get assistance."