Channel 7 sports presenter Mel McLaughlin has made an emotional return to TV screens following her lung cancer diagnosis.
Last month, McLaughlin announced she was battling lung cancer, the same disease that claimed her sister’s life a decade prior. She has undergone surgery to remove half her lung.
The beloved sports presenter returned to her role on Sunday night for 7News Sydney’s 6pm bulletin. This marks her first TV appearance since early January.
“Great to be back, I missed both of your pretty faces,” she said to co-anchors Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox.
“I really want to thank everyone for all their well wishes over the past couple of months. It’s been truly overwhelming and it’s appreciated, so thanks everyone.”
Her co-host Cox replied: “We couldn’t be happier to have you back,” while Ferguson added that it was “so good” to have her back and that she’s “still got it”.
“Mel’s easing back at her own pace,” Director of News and Current Affairs Ray Kuka said.
“She’ll do a few days here and there whenever she feels up to it.
“She has our full support and no doubt the full support of Sydney.”
McLaughlin has previously opened up on her cancer battle, saying that she’s benefitted from an early diagnosis and urges others to do the same.
“Recovery is slow but good. The reason why I’m talking is not to make it about me, but awareness,” she said.
According to the Cancer Council, lung cancer is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia, and is the leading cause of cancer death in the country.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, changes to the voice, chest pain, coughing or spitting up blood, a persistent cough, chest infection that lasts more than three weeks or is recurring, enlarged fingertips, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and tiredness.
“It’s the biggest cancer killer in the country. It’s got a terrible stigma. I feel like I owe it to my sister and I owe it to people who could get something out of this,” McLaughlin said.
Image: 7News
