Channel Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin, 46, recently underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor and a large section of her lung after a lung cancer diagnosis. Remarkably, she has never smoked, mirroring the experience of her older sister, Tara, who succumbed to the same disease in 2015 at age 39.
Devastating Family History
McLaughlin shared her diagnosis during an interview with Mark Ferguson. “I was diagnosed with lung cancer in December. So that’s led to surgery. I’ve had half my lung cut out,” she explained. The revelation hit hard over the holidays, as lung cancer in her family had always signaled tragedy. “In our family, lung cancer meant death. We had one example, and we lost her,” McLaughlin said emotionally.
Tara, a senior constable with New South Wales Police and mother to sons Harry and Flynn, passed away despite never smoking. Doctors suspect a genetic link between the sisters’ cases, which occurred a decade apart. McLaughlin serves as an ambassador for Lung Foundation Australia, advocating for those affected by the disease.
Surgery at the Same Hospital
The procedure took place at the same North Shore hospital where Tara fought her illness, including time in the ICU that McLaughlin had visited. “I cried, and then I laughed. Is this a joke?” she recalled. Fortunately, McLaughlin’s cancer was detected early, qualifying her for surgery, unlike her sister’s late-stage diagnosis.
“Maybe I got lucky. Maybe that was my sister. I definitely think she was with me. That’s what they do. Big sisters and big brothers, look out for you,” McLaughlin reflected.
Working Through the Diagnosis
Determined to continue, McLaughlin hosted Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test and Sydney’s Pink Test in early January, squeezing in blood tests and scans right up to the day before surgery. During the Pink Test, which supports the McGrath Foundation, she promoted donations and awareness while keeping her condition private.
“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. McLaughlin has been off air since January, with a return expected around March 15 at the earliest.
Positive Outlook and Awareness Efforts
Recovery progresses slowly but positively. “Recovery is slow but good. They’re happy for now,” she noted. McLaughlin plans to resume work in July for the Commonwealth Games and in October for the Rugby League World Cup.
Her goal extends beyond personal recovery: raising awareness for lung cancer, Australia’s leading cancer killer, which carries a heavy stigma. “The reason I want to do it was not to talk about me. It’s awareness… I feel like I owe it to my sister. I owe it to people who maybe could get something out of this,” she stated. “It took me years to get involved. But the mortality rate is disgusting. The Foundation needs more money and attention.”
Career Background and Personal Life
Born and raised in Sydney, McLaughlin joined Fox Sports in 2007, moved to Network Ten in 2013 for Big Bash coverage, and switched to Channel Seven in 2016. Last year, she parted ways with boyfriend Ashley Westwood after 10 years. The British football manager left his role at Hong Kong Football Club in November 2024; the couple met in India in late 2015 during her work stint.
