London, October 24, 2025 - Veteran CNN anchor and chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour has publicly disclosed that the ovarian cancer she was first diagnosed with and treated in 2021 has recurred. The 67-year-old journalist, known for her fearless reporting from global conflict zones, shared the news during an appearance on the Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story podcast, where she detailed her recent health challenges and emphasized the critical importance of early detection and listening to one's body.
Amanpour, who has been absent from CNN's airwaves for the past month, explained that her cancer has returned in what she described as a "fairly rare" form. Despite the setback, she expressed optimism about her prognosis, stating that the disease is being "very well-managed." Her announcement comes four years after her initial diagnosis, during which she underwent major surgery and several months of chemotherapy before returning to her high-profile role at the network.
"I have it again, but it’s being very well-managed, and this is one of the whole things that people have to understand about some cancers," Amanpour said on the podcast. She was joined by Dr. Angela George, a consultant in gynaecological oncology, who provided medical insights into Amanpour's condition. The journalist revealed that her current cancer has been classified as "stage 1/2," indicating it is in an early phase but had "adhered to the pelvis." This adhesion, while complicating treatment, was detected early due to noticeable pain symptoms—a factor Amanpour credits with potentially saving her life.
"Angela told me what it was and why I was potentially lucky because there were actually pain symptoms," Amanpour explained. "There’s often no symptoms so many women don’t know, so I feel that I was lucky." Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages because it frequently presents without clear warning signs, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. In the United States alone, approximately 19,680 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2025, with around 12,740 deaths projected.
Amanpour's decision to speak openly about her recurrence stems from a desire to raise awareness and encourage proactive health measures among women worldwide. After undergoing surgery followed by a brief recuperation period and the commencement of chemotherapy, she returned to the camera after four weeks. "I decided to say something because I actually wanted to do a service—not just to my viewers, but also to those who might be in a similar situation and I wanted to say what had happened to me," she stated. "I wanted to say listen to your body because part of the reason I got such quick care was because I listened to my body and went straight to the doctors."
This is not the first time Amanpour has used her platform to advocate for cancer awareness. In June 2021, during a live broadcast, she first revealed her diagnosis to viewers. At that time, she had been momentarily off the air and announced that she had undergone "successful major surgery to remove it" and was preparing for "several months of chemotherapy for the very best possible long-term prognosis." She expressed confidence in her recovery, noting, "I’m confident." Amanpour also highlighted the prevalence of the disease, stating that ovarian cancer affects "millions of women around the world." She acknowledged her privilege in accessing high-quality care, saying she felt "fortunate to have health insurance through work and incredible doctors who are treating me in a country underpinned by, of course, the brilliant NHS"—a reference to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, where she has received treatment.
In her 2021 disclosure, Amanpour framed her announcement as a call to action: "I’m telling you this in the interest of transparency but in truth really mostly as a shoutout to early diagnosis." She urged women to "educate themselves on this disease; to get all the regular screenings and scans that you can; to always listen to your bodies; and of course to ensure that your legitimate medical concerns are not dismissed or diminished." This message resonated widely, sparking conversations about women's health and the often-overlooked symptoms of gynecological cancers.
Born in London in 1958 to a British mother and Iranian father, Amanpour joined CNN in 1983 as an entry-level desk assistant in Atlanta. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the network's most prominent foreign correspondents. Over her four-decade career, she has reported from war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, and the Balkans, earning numerous accolades including multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Her program, Amanpour, airs weekdays on CNN International and has featured in-depth interviews with world leaders, activists, and newsmakers.
The recurrence of Amanpour's cancer underscores the chronic nature of the disease for many patients. Ovarian cancer has a high recurrence rate, with studies indicating that up to 70-80% of women diagnosed with advanced stages experience a return of the cancer within a few years. Even in early-stage cases like Amanpour's current diagnosis, vigilance is required. Dr. Angela George elaborated on the podcast about the specifics of stage 1/2 ovarian cancer, noting that while it is generally more treatable than later stages, the adhesion to the pelvis can necessitate more aggressive interventions, including surgery and targeted chemotherapy.
Medical experts emphasize that ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and mimic other conditions, such as bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, or urinary urgency. The lack of a reliable screening test for the general population further complicates early detection. Organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance advocate for increased research funding and public education to improve survival rates, which currently stand at about 49% for five-year survival overall.
Amanpour's transparency has been praised by health advocates and colleagues alike. CNN issued a statement supporting their anchor: "Christiane is a pillar of our network and an inspiration to millions. We stand with her during this time and look forward to her continued contributions." Her story also highlights disparities in cancer care globally. While Amanpour benefits from access to top-tier medical facilities in the U.S. and U.K., many women in low-resource settings face barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
As Amanpour continues her chemotherapy regimen, she remains committed to her work and advocacy. "This is one of the whole things that people have to understand about some cancers," she reiterated, stressing that management and hope are possible even with recurrence. Her message to women is clear and urgent: pay attention to bodily changes, seek medical advice promptly, and advocate for thorough evaluations.
In an era where public figures increasingly share personal health battles to destigmatize illness, Amanpour's candor serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the life-saving potential of awareness. Ovarian cancer may be a silent threat to many, but through voices like hers, it is becoming a conversation that could save countless lives.
