Who is Jacquie Beltrao? Sky News presenter who’s spoken about breast cancer and chemotherapy
She underwent a mastectomy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Eve 2013
JACQUIE Beltrao is a former Olympic gymnast and Sky News presenter.
Here's everything you need to know about her and her battle with breast cancer...
Who is Jaquie Beltrao?
Jaquie Beltrao, 53, was born in Dublin and grew up in Coventry.
She studied Sports Science at Birmingham University.
As a rhythmic gymnast she represented Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and placed 31st in the All-Round.
In 1992 she started working at Sky News, first as a publicist and then as a sports reporter and presenter - she now presents updates on Sunrise during the week.
When did Jaquie Beltrao have breast cancer?
Jaquie was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas eve 2013 after finding a pea-sized lump on her right breast.
Her consultant took a sample for testing and after having a mammogram and ultrasound it was confirmed that she had cancer.
Fortunately the disease was caught in its early stages and Jaquie was treatable.
Two weeks after her diagnosis Jaquie underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery followed by four months of chemotherapy.
What has Jaquie Beltrao said about having chemotherapy?
Jaquie struggled with her gruelling cycles of chemo but reamined positive.
She told The Sun: “Chemo was hideous. I felt sorry for myself.
“I was so knackered. Some days I just watched Diagnosis Murder on TV and did nothing. Then you realise you just have to get on with it.”
After her consultant urged her to speak to a fellow patient and offer support, Jaquie continues to be a source of comfort to other women going through the same experience.
She said: “If someone is worried about what it is going to be like, how their breasts will look, how they will cope, I show them how good it can be afterwards. I am honestly happy with my boobs.”
Jaquie also claims that cutting out dairy from her diet and doing regular exercise helped to shrink her tumour.
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Is Jaquie Beltrao married and does she have any children?
Eduardo Beltrao, 52, is Brazilian and a social media consultant.
They have three children - Amelia, 20, Tiago, 17, and Jorge, 16.
The family lives in South-West London but also have a home in Rio De Janeiro.
