Tracey Emin says she feels ‘luckier’ than coronavirus patients despite cancer diagnosis

Artist revealed in October that she had been diagnosed with a ‘rapid and aggressive’ cancer

Tracey Emin at an event in 2018 (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Tracey Emin has said she feels “luckier” than coronavirus patients, despite being diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cancer.

The celebrated artist revealed in October that she had undergone surgery for squamous cell cancer, which she described as a “really rapid, really aggressive” cancer that targets the bladder.

At one point, she was informed by her doctors that she may not survive to see Christmas.

“Even when I thought I had six months to live, I was luckier than [Covid-19 patients],” Emin told The Guardian. “I wasn’t going to die alone – and if it was going to be six months, I at least had time to plan my last days.”

Emin also said that she felt relief when she underwent surgery, claiming that she felt the removal of her bladder rescued her from a life-long “curse”.

“I did feel cursed most of my life and then after this one, when they took my bladder out, I thought, ‘F***ing brilliant! This manky old thing that’s caused me problems all my life has gone.’

“And the curse that was thrown on me has gone with it. It’s in the incinerator. I’m free of that now. I will find love! I will have exhibitions ... I will enjoy my life! I will!”

Emin, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1999, has not undergone chemotherapy for her cancer. She also told The Guardian that while she is still recovering from her surgery, she “feels better” and is due for a check-up with her medical team in the coming months.