Tributes pour in for ABC radio host James Valentine after cancer revelation

Much-loved ABC Radio Sydney broadcaster James Valentine has revealed some devastating personal news on air.

Tributes have poured in for much-loved ABC Radio Sydney broadcaster James Valentine who has revealed on air that he is taking three months off for oesophageal cancer treatment.

Valentine, 63, underwent chemotherapy and radiation after he found out he had cancer. He will now undergo surgery at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital.

ABC personality James Valentine has revealed he has oesophagal cancer. Source: ABC iview.

He will take three months off to undergo surgery. Picture: Instagram

Social commentator Jane Caro said on X (formerly Twitter) “So upset to hear about lovely James Valentine.”

“He is always so warm and funny. I’ve met him a few times, been on his show a few times – he is always delightful. All strength to this elbow and every other part of him. We need him back.”

Fellow ABC radio host Craig Reucassell also commented.

“James Valentine currently telling his listeners that he is taking a break from radio to deal with cancer. In brilliant James style he is currently interviewing his surgeon!”

ABC Sydney’s Facebook page was also flooded with comments from listeners wishing Valentine well.

Catherine Murphy said, “You’ve got this James. I will miss you on the radio whilst you fight this. All the best to you and the family both personal and ABC. Thank you for sharing.”

Christine Gallagher wrote, “Hi James, thank you for sharing the news in such detail at the link shared. I admire your attitude. Medical science is marvellous. It sounds like you’re in great hands between your wife and the doctors. Looking forward to your update after the surgery and recovery. Lots of love and all the very best.”

Valentine hosted his last show for about three months on Thursday. Picture: Instagram

Valentine interviewed his surgeon on air after telling listeners of his cancer, Picture: Richard Dobson

Valentine interviewed his surgeon live on air about the rare procedure he will undergo.

Associate professor Douglas Fenton-Lee said they only performed the surgery about 12 times a year in Australia and that he had done more than 200 throughout his career.

“It involves removing the oesophagus, or most of the oesophagus, and the top part of the stomach, which is probably about a quarter of the stomach,” he said.

“We’re going to then bring your stomach up – we actually shape it so that it’s a tubular structure and we bring it up and join it into your neck, so we replace your oesophagus with your stomach.”

Valentine began his media career in the 1980s hosting cartoons on the ABC TV’s Afternoon Show.

The popular broadcaster was presenting Afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney when he announced he would take a break for three months while he recovered from surgery.

Valentine is also a musician who regularly plays at music festivals throughout Australia.

Originally published as Tributes pour in for ABC radio host James Valentine after cancer revelation