Jennifer Saunders wins breast cancer battle
Jennifer Saunders, the comedienne, is recovering after beating breast cancer, it was reported last night.
The 52-year-old has fought a private battle against the disease after discovering a lump on her breast nine months ago.
Saunders, best known for being one half of comedy duo French and Saunders, had caught the tumour early and underwent an operation to have it removed.
The mother-of-three then faced chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, which caused her to lose her hair, friends said.
However, the star has now been given the all-clear and celebrated her birthday this week by showing off a new short hairstyle, having worn a blonde wig while her hair grew back.
A friend said: “Jennifer’s treatment finished in June. She is very thankful that she has been given the all-clear and is feeling in very good spirits.”
Saunders, who is married to comedian Adrian Edmondson, has not spoken publicly about her illness, telling only family and close friends including her comedy partner Dawn French.
But she did not let it prevent her attending functions, including last month’s Great British Comedy Event. She was also seen sporting a bandanna over her wig while watching Roger Federer play Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon last week.
Her friend added: “She has been extremely sick over the course of the treatment. “It has been an ordeal but Jennifer is getting better every day. She has great friends who have been by her side every step of the way.”
