TORONTO, CANADA: HGTV host Hilary Farr has opened up for the first time about her terrifying breast cancer journey. The 'Love It or List It' star shared about her long-hidden cancer struggle in a recent interview with People.
Farr has been keeping the illness a secret from the public for almost ten years, including while filming her hit program.
It all began in 2012 after she underwent a routine mammogram and doctors found a concerning lump. Surgery and lab testing revealed that the lump was precancerous.
“I felt so much relief,” she said in the interview with People. “I moved on.”
But in 2014, when Farr was in Raleigh filming 'Love It or List It', a second mammogram revealed invasive breast cancer, which is cancer that spreads into surrounding breast tissue.
She received a second lumpectomy, or surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal cells from the breast. The procedure seemed to have positive results at first.
“I was signed off by the medical oncologist saying, "You’re done. You’re fine. Off you go," Farr said in the interview.
The designer learned, after two months, that she had been given incorrect information and that she required radiation to make sure the cancer wouldn’t return.
“I was terrified because I knew I had a very small window. I felt absolute fury that someone could be so flippantly wrong ... I could have been dead," Farr revealed.
Hilary Farr urges women to 'ask questions'
Hilary Farr underwent three lumpectomies and radiation during her breast cancer battle. She is now in remission, but it was certainly a long road to get there.
The interior designer has spoken up about her struggle in the hopes that others who are reluctant to have health checks may benefit from her experience.
After learning that she should have received more treatment for breast cancer, Hilary Farr took control of her health. She strongly urges that self-advocacy is a crucial component of any health journey.
Hilary Farr advises others to not be afraid to pose questions to doctors. Every issue should, with the opinion of a doctor, have a diagnosis, a course of action, a follow-up strategy, and a plan for what to do if the course of action is unsuccessful.
“Fear of breast cancer stops a lot of women from getting checked. But as terrifying as it is, you face it,” Farr told People. “Thinking that you should keep it a secret or just power through doesn’t help and it doesn’t heal ... If I can change that for one person, then that’s enough.”
Does Hilary Farr have any children?
Hilary was married to Canadian television producer Gordon Farr from 1982 to 2008. They welcomed their only child together, Joshua Farr, in 1983.
'The Tough Love With Hilary Farr' host raised her son in Toronto. She has posted photos of the home on social media along with memories from Joshua's childhood. Through Joshua, Hilary is a grandmother to two boys and a girl.
Who is 'Tough Love' star Hilary Farr?
Hilary Farr is a Canadian designer, television host, and actress who rose to fame as the co-host of the home renovation show 'Love It or List It'. Born on August 31, 1962, in Toronto, Canada, Farr began her career as an actress before transitioning to interior design.
She has worked on numerous design projects throughout her career, including residential and commercial spaces.
Farr is also the author of the book 'Feathering the Nest: Tracy Hutson's Earth-Friendly Guide to Decorating Your Baby's Room'. She is known for her signature style, which blends classic and contemporary elements.
In addition to her work on 'Love It or List It', Farr has also appeared on other home renovation shows such as 'Brother vs Brother' and 'The Marilyn Denis Show'.
She continues to be a prominent figure in the design industry and is known for her tough-love approach to helping homeowners make their dream homes a reality.
