Mel McLaughlin, the 46-year-old Channel Seven sports presenter, faces lung cancer despite never smoking—a disease that claimed her older sister Tara’s life at age 39 in 2015.
McLaughlin underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor and a significant portion of her lung. Diagnosed in December, she caught the cancer early, leading to a positive prognosis. Recovery progresses slowly but steadily, with doctors expressing satisfaction so far.
Family Tragedy and Genetic Concerns
Tara, a senior constable with New South Wales Police and mother of two young sons, Harry and Flynn, battled the same illness unsuccessfully. Neither sister smoked, prompting doctors to suspect a genetic link. McLaughlin serves as an ambassador for Lung Foundation Australia, advocating for those affected.
“In our family, lung cancer meant death. We had one example, and we lost her,” McLaughlin shared emotionally. Sharing her diagnosis with family over Christmas proved heartbreaking, especially at the same North Shore hospital where she visited Tara in the ICU.
“I cried, and then I laughed. Is this a joke?” she recalled of the moment.
Resilience on the Job
Remarkably, McLaughlin hosted Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test and Sydney’s Pink Test in early January, dashing for blood tests and scans between broadcasts. She worked right up to the day before surgery.
“I look back and think, what the hell was I thinking? The intention was good. I know it’s probably a bit crazy,” she admitted. During the Pink Test, which supports the McGrath Foundation, she promoted donations and awareness while privately managing her condition.
Raising Awareness
McLaughlin aims to combat the stigma surrounding lung cancer, Australia’s leading cancer killer. “The reason I want to do this is not to talk about me. It’s awareness,” she emphasized. “I feel like I owe it to my sister. I owe it to people who maybe could get something out of this.”
She has been off-air since January, with a return anticipated no earlier than March 15. Plans include resuming duties in July for the Commonwealth Games and October for the Rugby League World Cup.
Personal Life Update
McLaughlin recently ended her 10-year relationship with British football manager Ashley Westwood. The split coincided with his departure from the Hong Kong Football Club in November. The couple met in India in late 2015 during her work stint and maintained a low profile.
Originally from Sydney, McLaughlin built her career starting at Fox Sports in 2007, moving to Network Ten for Big Bash coverage in 2013, and joining Channel Seven in 2016.
