As we navigate through the ebbs and flows of life, we often find ourselves looking up to certain individuals who bring us joy, wisdom, and a sense of connection.

For many, the voice of James Valentine on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio has been a comforting and familiar presence.

However, today's news is a stark reminder that life can take unexpected turns, even for those we least expect.

James Valentine, the veteran ABC radio presenter, has announced a deeply personal and challenging diagnosis: oesophageal cancer.

This revelation came after a four-month journey of private battles and medical consultations, which he shared in a candid story on the ABC website.

ABC radio host James Valentine will be off-air due to cancer diagnosis. Credit: James Valentine Official Website

‘Immediately, it was meetings with oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons and in early January, I started five weeks of chemotherapy and radiation,’ he said.

In the next few weeks, he will undergo surgery, which would be the main treatment for his cancer.

‘The surgery will remove my entire oesophagus and then stretch my stomach up and attach it to my throat,’ he said.

‘After that, I'm very likely to feel like absolute crap for quite some time.’

Oesophageal cancer, while not the most common, can be particularly aggressive and difficult to detect early.

Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain, but they can be easily dismissed or attributed to less serious conditions.

Valentine has been with the ABC for over 27 years, mostly on-air.

This year, he returned to hosting Afternoons after a short time hosting Breakfast.

He also worked as a reporter on Sunrise and Good Morning Australia. Additionally, he still plays saxophone and performs at events.

Valentine's radio show on Thursday, 21 March, would be his last for around three months because he needs time off to recover from surgery.

‘I'm going to make sure I'm fully recovered, and my stomach is going to stay attached to my neck before I attempt broadcasting again,’ he said.

Although he believed he would be okay eventually, he admitted he wouldn't be the same as before.

As Valentine steps away from the microphone to focus on his health and recovery, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by his listeners.

Key Takeaways

• ABC radio presenter James Valentine has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a tumour.
• Valentine has undergone chemotherapy and radiation and will take time off from the Afternoons show for surgery and recovery.
• The surgery involves the removal of his oesophagus and will require his stomach to be stretched up and attached to his throat.
• Valentine has a long-standing career with the broadcaster spanning over 27 years and has recently returned to the Afternoons slot after working in other positions and programs.

We wish James Valentine a speedy recovery and look forward to hearing him live on radio stations soon.

What are your thoughts on Valentine's latest announcement? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

That's sad and I pray for a quick abd speedy recovery.

To many people are being diagnosed with cancer and it makes you wonder why !
Is it the preservatives in our food, something in our water or all the pollution in the air ?

My thoughts and prayers are also with The Princess Of Wales who released a video last night stating she is also fighting cancer .

 

[Penny4]

That's a nasty cancer. I've known someone who had it caused by hereditary. Otherwise, it's usually caused by smoking and alcohol.

 

[Suzanne rose]

That's a nasty cancer. I've known someone who had it caused by hereditary. Otherwise, it's usually caused by smoking and alcohol.

I think he does smoke

 

[Littleboy8]

Both my mother in laws died of it and they were both chronic alcoholics and heavy smokers. Glad my mother never drank or smoked.

 

[adoni]

I am a cancer survivor with the same systems. Had chemo in November and December 2020 followed by the pull up surgery in February 2021. I am not a drinker or never smoked just one of the unlucky ones I guess. There has been no family history of cancer.

 

[Littleboy8]

I am a cancer survivor with the same systems. Had chemo in November and December 2020 followed by the pull up surgery in February 2021. I am not a drinker or never smoked just one of the unlucky ones I guess. There has been no family history of cancer.

That’s unfortunate hope you continue to be well.

 

[Jennie]

That's a nasty cancer. I've known someone who had it caused by hereditary. Otherwise, it's usually caused by smoking and alcohol.

I had it, caused by a Barrett's oesophagus which was burnt by having a hiatus hernia. I had treatment for 5 yrs and now there is no sign of it. My prof. didn't believe in surgery when radio frequency ablation and endoscopic mucosal resection would get rid of it. Mine was caught early luckily, because of a thorough doctor, who sent me to a specialist, who sent me to a professor in Sydney.

 

[Jest]

I think he does smoke

no good thinking it is either yes or no.

 

[Suzanne rose]

no good thinking it is either yes or no.

 

[Ezzy]

Both my mother & mother in law died of cancer. Mum was a drank shandies to keep dad company but not a smoker, my M.I.L. never drank or smoked. Many people l worked with or knew of in the Prison job were overcome by cancer, most never smoked or drank or just drank wine. Stress was a possible reason in their cases. Relatives of relatives also succumb to cancer. None smoked or drank alcohol.

l did see on t.v. many moons ago that cancer was in our system from the day we are born & just needs a trigger to get it started.

All l know is that it doesn't seem be choosy & would appear any person can be affected at some time in their lifetime. I am not sure if diet has an affect but know watching someone go down hill with this is hard to accept.

 

[sharyn13]

I hope all goes well we will all miss James on the radio, and will look forward to his return.