SKY SPORTS NEWS presenter Jo Wilson has revealed the horrifying story of her receiving an incorrect cancer diagnosis three years after being given the all-clear.
Wilson joined as a trainee in 2011 before making her presenting debut in 2015.
Jo Wilson has opened up on her struggles this year after an incorrect cancer diagnosis Credit: INSTAGRAM
It came three years after the presenter was given the all-clear from stage three cervical cancer Credit: INSTAGRAM
In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage three and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy to save her life.
She returned to TV screens later that year before announcing she had beaten the cancer in 2023.
However, in a brave post, she has now opened up about her struggles after receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier in February, which thankfully turned out to be a false alarm.
The 41-year-old’s candid post read: “In February, after my three-year scan, I was told my cancer had returned in a lymph node. I couldn’t believe it – it felt like my whole world had crumbled all over again.
“But after being referred to the high-dose radiotherapy team, one consultant questioned whether the diagnosis was actually correct.
“What followed were five months of tests, scans, waiting and uncertainty before, last week, I finally got the news I’d been desperately hoping for: it wasn’t cancer after all.
“The lymph node is now thought to be a benign neuroma – a cluster of nerves that was likely inflamed at the time of my original scan.
The relief was indescribable, but so too is the emotional toll from the last five months, believing – then not knowing if my cancer had returned. Living with that uncertainty was incredibly hard.
Wilson shared the story and a plea for people to be kind to one another Credit: Jo Wilson / Instagram
The former sprinter and jumper produced a documentary, ‘Football, Cancer and Me’ that aired in 2025 Credit: INSTAGRAM
“On the outside, life carried on – I worked, was being a mum, played (lots of) , spent time with friends and family, and smiled for photos.
“But underneath it all, I was carrying something very heavy, and there were times I found myself in some very dark places.”
Wilson, who produced a documentary, ‘Football, Cancer and Me’ that was released in November 2025, said she was sharing her story because she did not believe those who felt the sting of cancer were ever truly “free”.
She continued: ” The fear of recurrence can stay with you long after treatment ends, and I think it’s important we talk about that reality.
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK
“If you’re someone living beyond a cancer diagnosis, please know you’re not alone.”
The presenter issued a plea for people to be kind to one another, adding that social media never showed the full picture of what someone was going through.
Her story and message received support from a number of Sky colleagues, including , Hayley McQueen, Izzy Christiansen and Emma Saunders, who is herself a cancer survivor.
Wilson lives in the Cotswolds with her long-term partner, Dan McGrath, and their daughter, whom she gave birth to in September 2020.
The couple married in 2022 after bringing forward their wedding plans when Wilson received her original cancer diagnosis.
Before moving into media, fan Wilson was a sprinter and jumper who represented Perth.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
