TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, 49, reappears before cameras. He’s made limited appearances since announcing he's battling terminal stage 4 lung cancer. Supportive fans noted how well he looks as cancer can impact a person's physical appearance.
A major health challenge can impact your body physically and emotionally, causing noticeable changes to your appearance.
Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their bodies mostly impacted by cancer treatment.
She says although they may represent "fear and pain" they may also represent "strength and courage."
Cancer patients are encouraged to lean on their support group and care team to provide help when needed. These people can help not feel so alone in your journey with your new body.
Beloved TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, 49, is back to work and reminds supportive fans why they fell in love with him on television years ago. The "Escape to the Country" star released a new video on social media showcasing a new product which is something Irwin is very good at doing. His supporters complimented his style, noting how vibrant he looks. The video comes as he continues to battle stage 4 lung cancer.
In the video, Irwin carefully examines the quality of kitchen counter-tops. Dressed in his signature ivy cap, Irwin also sported a dark sweater and jeans. He has not made many public appearances in recent years since publicly announcing his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in 2020. Loyal fans showered Irwin with praise for his dapper appearance and overall good spirits.
"Looking good Mr. Irwin," one Instagram user wrote.
"Natural presenter Johnnie and I send boundless love to you and yours," another user said.
Irwin's fans are well aware of his ongoing health struggles and seem inspired by his willingness to persevere.
Over the last few years, Irwin has focused much of his time on creating memorable moments for his family. His three young sons are unaware of their father's cancer diagnosis. Irwin has avoided explaining his prognosis to them.
TV presenter Jonnie Irwin filmed “Escape to the Perfect Town” in 2021. (Photo: Instagram/@JonnieIrwinTV)
By prioritizing his family and friends, Irwin is choosing to focus on what brings him joy and positivity in life rather than allowing his cancer to dominate his mindset. This is a strategy some SurvivorNet experts recommend for cancer patients because it can help their overall emotional and physical health.
"I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart," Jonnie previously told Hello Magazine in an interview.
In June, Irwin revealed he spends time in hospice care to help him deal with his cancer on tough days.
"I remove myself on a number of occasions because I'm not good to be around when I'm in pain," Irwin said.
Jonnie Irwin spends Father’s Day with his family. (Photo: Instagram/jonnieirwintv)
"Jonnie, you have a certain way of presenting, & it makes people listen, you are just good at everything you do 👠the best on the tv too, stay strong 💪 we're all thinking of you with great affection for you & your beautiful family," another supportive fan wrote on Instagram.
Among the comments, many fans noted how the famous TV presenter looks. Since being diagnosed with lung cancer, Irwin has undergone some changes to his physical appearance. Body change is part of a cancer patient's journey that may come about. It's important to know, while cancer may impact your body's appearance it does not necessarily mean it will remain this way forever.
How Cancer Can Change Your Body
"Changes to your body may be temporary or permanent. They include changes that can be seen by others, such as hair loss or weight gain," MacMillan Cancer Support says noting physical changes.
"Changes that are not obviously visible to others…such as infertility can also affect your body image and make you feel vulnerable about your body," MacMillian Cancer Support added.
One way you can prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to build your self-confidence. Your support group filled with loved ones can help you during this stage of your journey.
WATCH: Dealing with body image during cancer treatment.
Many changes your body experiences during cancer treatment come from the treatment itself. Surgery can leave scarring, chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Other treatments can also impact you in ways that make you lose or gain weight or feel tired more than usual.
Other treatments that may spur more subtle or nonvisible changes may include "endocrine or hormone therapy." Hormone therapy "slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones" according to the National Cancer Institute.
While specific side effects depend on the drug you take, general symptoms related to hormone therapy can include low sex drive, hot flashes, weight gain, weakening of the bones, fatigue, and others, according to Cancer.net.
"If you have visible changes to your appearance, you may find that some people look at you for longer. Usually, this is because they are curious and not because they want to upset you," MacMillan Cancer Support explains.
"Learning how to cope in advance with social situations will build up your confidence. This will help you gradually get back to things you did before, such as work, sports, or hobbies."
Another thing to remember about these changes is most are temporary.
How to Cope with Your New Body After Cancer
Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shares with SurvivorNet some additional tips cancer warriors can explore to help manage the emotional toll body changes can have during treatment.
Dr. Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body mostly impacted by cancer treatment. She says although they may represent "fear and pain," they also represent "strength and courage."
"Research has found that when looking in the mirror we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like for you to first spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love give them time, honor them, and then thank them," Dr. Strongin said.
Dr. Strongin then suggests looking at the part or parts of your body impacted by the cancer or cancer treatment. She recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image because it helps you accept your cancer journey emotionally and physically.
"As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time you can begin honoring and thanking your new body.
Seeking advice from your support group or healthcare team can also help prepare you for what you should expect following your cancer treatments, allowing you to understand what is normal or not.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you're struggling with your mental health because of changes treatment is having on your body, consider asking your doctor these questions to help.
What can I do if my emotions begin to feel overwhelming?
Are there approaches that don't involve traditional therapy?
Should I consider medication such as antidepressants?
What are the potential side effects should I decide to begin medication?
