BBC newsreader George Alagiah has said he is “not frightened” after revealing that his cancer has spread to his lungs - despite some headlines implying it “was time to start ordering the white lilies.”
The broadcaster, 64, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and the illness later spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
He confirmed earlier this month that doctors told him in April that the cancer is now in his lungs.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday, Alagiah said that he wants to “spend the time [he has] got living” rather than “worrying.”
The presenter is focusing on enjoying life (Jeff Overs/Getty Images)
“I saw some of the headlines actually about it and thought, ‘Oh my God, are they talking about me?’” he said.
“I thought it was time to start ordering the white lilies.”
He added: “I take my cues from my doctors and they don’t look scared to me. I’ve known them now for six years.
Alagiah is 'not frightened' by his latest diagnosis (Picture: PA)
“In fact, I said to one of them a couple of years ago, that he better do the worrying for me, because I can’t deal with that.
“I’m not going to spend the time I’ve got worrying. I want to spend the time I’ve got living and doing the things I want to do and enjoying my family and friends.”
He said that he had looked in his doctor’s eyes when he delivered the news of his cancer spreading and “he didn’t look frightened, so I’m not frightened.”
Speaking to The Times earlier this month, Alagiah said that his doctors had never used the word “terminal” when discussing his illness.
“I’ve always said to my oncologist, ‘Tell me when I need to sort my affairs out,’ and he’s not told me that, but what he did tell me is that the cancer is now in a third organ,” he said. “It is in my lungs.”
The presenter previously kept the development a secret, telling only his editor. He said that his chemotherapy has increased as a result of the cancer spreading.
