TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart reveals breast cancer diagnosis
Friday 18 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story TVNZ
TVNZ investigative journalist Indira Stewart has shared that she was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in January. She began chemotherapy two weeks after her diagnosis and has been undergoing treatment for the past nine months.
Key facts
5 facts
- Indira Stewart was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in January
- Chemotherapy began two weeks after the initial diagnosis
- Stewart underwent a mastectomy and experienced early menopause
- Cold-capping helped preserve about half of her hair volume
- Stewart has been employed by TVNZ since 2020
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
TVNZ investigative journalist Indira Stewart has shared that she is undergoing treatment for grade 3 breast cancer. She was diagnosed in January and began chemotherapy two weeks after that diagnosis. Stewart described the tumour as aggressive and noted that the months following her diagnosis have been a “blur”.
The journalist has undergone a mastectomy and experienced early menopause as a result of her treatment. Stewart shared that she has used cold-capping technology, which helped preserve approximately half of her hair volume. She also mentioned using false eyelashes and drawn-on eyebrows to hide her cancer when leaving home.
Stewart is currently continuing chemotherapy alongside other medical treatments. She used her announcement to urge others to attend breast screenings and get mammograms if they are eligible.
Stewart has been with TVNZ since 2020 and has worked as a Breakfast host and 1News presenter. Her announcement on social media received support from various people, including Dame Valerie Adams and Melissa Stokes.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.