Adele Roberts Reveals Second Cancer Scare as Radio Presenter Undergoes Surgery to Remove Neck Lump

Radio presenter Adele Roberts has disclosed that she recently faced a second cancer scare, undergoing surgery to remove a lump in her neck just two years after being declared free of bowel cancer. The 46-year-old broadcaster confirmed the news on Wednesday, sharing images of a fresh scar behind her ear and detailing what she described as an anxious and exhausting period of medical uncertainty.

Roberts first noticed the lump at the beginning of the summer. Despite attempts at treatment, the growth persisted and continued to enlarge, leading specialists to recommend surgical removal. The presenter, known for her candour surrounding her previous cancer diagnosis, said she initially chose to keep the issue private while she waited for medical answers. “At the start of summer I got a concerning lump on my neck… which wouldn’t go away and then it grew into a bit of a monster,” she wrote on Instagram.

The discovery came four years after Roberts’ initial diagnosis with bowel cancer in 2021. She underwent major surgery to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Nine months later she was given the all-clear, though she has continued to live with a stoma bag — affectionately named Audrey — fitted following her colostomy operation. Her openness about the experience has made her a prominent advocate for bowel cancer awareness.

Roberts explained that the lump on her neck caused mounting concern throughout the summer as doctors struggled to determine its origin. “Nobody knew what it was and it wasn’t responding to treatment,” she said. “With my recent health troubles and knowing you can never take anything for granted… it has been playing on my mind.”

The presenter revealed she was placed on the surgical waiting list at the end of August, shortly before travelling to Australia to take part in the Sydney Marathon. She credited marathon training with helping her manage the stress of waiting for answers. “All that running helped me so much and gave me a way to channel my feelings, stay positive, and think of all the people we were raising money for,” she said.

Roberts also spoke about the toll the ordeal took on her partner, actor Kate Holderness. “Poor Kate has been so worried,” she wrote. “Apologies if we’ve been a bit more weird than usual.” She added that the pair had attempted to remain upbeat, despite the uncertainty.

In addition to the surgery on her neck, Roberts said she underwent a series of other medical tests this week, describing the process with her trademark mix of humour and frankness. “It’s only Wednesday and I’ve already had a camera up my bum, an enema (that I thought would NEVER END) and some test results that I’ve been worried about since summer,” she wrote.

On Wednesday afternoon, Roberts confirmed that the lump removed from her neck was benign, news she said left her “absolutely buzzing”. She praised NHS medical teams and thanked supporters who had sent messages during the anxious wait. “THANK YOU NHS,” she wrote. “I’m proud, grateful and so relieved.”

However, not all of her tests delivered clear results. Roberts said her endoscopy had to be repeated because the hospital had been unable to obtain a clear reading. The enema, she explained, “didn’t work well enough”, meaning doctors were unable to carry out the full assessment. Because she has a loop ileostomy, food can still enter part of her colon, necessitating routine monitoring to ensure her long-term health.

Despite the setback, Roberts said she was focusing on the positive news and determined to approach the next round of tests with the same resilience she has shown throughout her treatment. She also expressed pride in the neck scar left by surgery, describing it as part of her personal history. She compared it to kintsugi, the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolising beauty in imperfection and healing.

In the hours after posting the update, Roberts received an outpouring of messages from fans and fellow broadcasters, many praising her openness about cancer, surgery and the realities of living with a stoma. Her candid updates have previously been credited with encouraging early diagnosis and reducing stigma surrounding bowel cancer and ostomy care.

For Roberts, the benign diagnosis marks a major relief after months of uncertainty, though further medical investigations remain ahead. Her message to followers remains characteristically upbeat: a blend of gratitude, humour and an unwavering determination to move forward.