TV legend Trisha Goddard becomes an ROS Ambassador

The TV legend Trisha Goddard has taken up a new role as Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) Ambassador, sharing her experience with breast cancer to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our bones throughout life.

Trisha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and warned that her bones would lose strength due to her treatment.

“I never really gave osteoporosis or my bone density a thought until it came to my breast cancer treatment,” said Trisha.

“My surgeon explained that the medication I would be on for the next ten years would affect my bones.

“While I was ill, the hospital tested my bone density and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that at the age of 50, it was still really good. All the weight training and powerwalking I had done for half my life had paid off. There was no need for me to be prescribed any additional medication to help preserve my bones through the cancer treatment.”

After five years of breast cancer medication, Trisha’s bone density was checked again and she was relieved to find that it hadn’t changed.

“My surgeon happily explained that this was a direct result of me continuing to weight train, power walk and stay active,” says Trisha.

“All that time, my aim had been to stay physically and mentally strong. Without even realising it, not only had I maintained my muscle strength, I had also maintained my bone strength.”

Although it was one of the toughest periods of her life, Trisha’s is a message of hope for people of all ages: that by taking action to strengthen your bones, we can all live better in later life.

“I’m not going to pretend it was easy - far from it - but a little bit of exercise most days was what got me through cancer. I’ll always have worries about my health, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m in control of my bone health.”

TV presenter, Trisha Goddard

Half of women and 1 in 5 men over 50 break bones due to osteoporosis. But despite this, new research by You Gov and commissioned by the ROS shows that only 25% of people under 55 actively look after their bones.

Trisha continues, “The whole experience made me realise how important it is, not just for cancer patients, but for everyone to look after their bones. Bone health is so overlooked when it comes to wellbeing. It absolutely brought home to me that prevention is better than cure. That’s why I'm joining forces with the Royal Osteoporosis Society to raise awareness of the importance of bone health.”

Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said:

“Trisha is living proof that the fatalism about osteoporosis and broken bones being just part of getting older is plain wrong.

“There are many things that can increase your risk of osteoporosis, and sadly some cancer treatments are one of them. Many people will need to take a drug treatment for their bones to counteract the effects of their cancer treatment which will reduce their risk of bones becoming fragile.

“Thankfully, taking weight-bearing exercise, getting enough vitamin D and eating the right foods can also make a big difference, not just for cancer patients but for everyone who wants to proactively manage their bone health.

“It’s typical of Trisha’s openness and can-do attitude that she’s sharing this inspiring message about how to age better and stop osteoporosis in its tracks.”

The popular presenter launched her 30-year career in television in Australia, before becoming a household name in the UK, where she fronted her celebrated, BAFTA-winning talk show, which ran for 12 years. Trisha is a life-long advocate for mental health services, and her time in the public eye has been characterised by her willingness to share candidly her own experiences to support people who are battling adversity.

Trisha is poised to return to our screens this summer as host of a new, more holistic version of Channel 5’s show, You Are What You Eat. Trisha will also support us to raise awareness of bone health and work towards our goal of a future without osteoporosis.