Edwina Bartholomew returns to Sunrise after cancer diagnosis: ‘I’m so well rested’

Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has returned to the breakfast show after revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this month.

The beloved presenter, 41, tearfully revealed she was battling chronic myeloid leukaemia in early September, saying she intended to take time off.

The star has been spending time with husband Neil Varcoe and their children Molly, 4, and Tom, 2, and is expected to be back for only a few days a week.

On Friday, Bartholomew was at the news desk as Sunrise broadcast from Melbourne, ahead of the much-anticipated Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions AFL grand final.

“I’m so well rested, I have had a huge gigantic warm embrace from Sunrise viewers and I didn’t want to miss today,” Bartholomew said on the show.

“I love today (the AFL grand final), as we all do. I wanted to be back in time, not just for the mini jaffles, but to see you all and be here for the wonderful week in Melbourne.”

Hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington welcomed Bartholomew back.

“Good to have you back,” Barr chimed in.

“Great to be back,” Shirvo added.

Revealing her health battle earlier this month, Bartholomew said she had received her cancer diagnosis after blood tests in July and started treatment in early August

“I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock to say and hard to say,” Bartholomew told viewers.

“(But) it is a good kind — It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I will be completely fine.”

Despite the diagnosis, Bartholomew said she felt “very lucky” for a number of reasons.

“(Firstly) It felt right to share this with you, too. Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse, and come out the other side stronger.

“Secondly, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40 I made the decision to prioritise my health. I got a skin check after Nat had her scare.

“I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That came back all clear. I even had an eye check. That’s fine.

“But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels out of whack.

“Please, particularly for mums who always take care of everyone else, please take care of yourself too. And just check in with your doctor.

“I found out in July. About a month and a half ago. I only told a few people here at work. I wanted to thank a few of them.

“All of you guys at the desk, particularly Nat, for constantly checking in and all the meals as well.

“Thank you for that. To Mon (Wright) and Sally (Bowrey) who shuffle around their family commitments, so I could take care of mine, and our bosses (thank you),” she said.

Catch all the exclusive grand final day action and the big game live, free, and in HD starting from 7am, on Seven and 7plus.