'Disappointed in myself': MasterChef Australia finalist Rhiannon Anderson had a tumour removed from her stomach

Reality TV star Rhiannon Anderson has revealed she has had a non-cancerous tumour removed.

The MasterChef Australia 2023 finalist had "melon-sized" tumour taken out of her stomach.

The mother-of-five said on social media she had the non-cancerous fibroid surgically removed six months ago.

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Anderson confessed that she noticed something wasn't right while filming her season of the reality cooking show in 2023.

The 47-year-old penned an emotional and lengthy caption detailing the gruelling process, which began with a "trigger warning" as she posted photos of what happened.

Anderson addressed her 18K Instagram followers, writing: "Wishing you a happy and healthy new year! I for one am going in to 2025 with a renewed gratitude for my health.

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"It took me a while to decide whether I should share this post but after much deliberation I've decided to share my story," she said.

"This year has been the hardest in my life in relation to my health.

"5 1/2 months ago I had an operation to remove a melon size fibroid from my stomach and have a hysterectomy.

"Thankfully the tumour was benign, however, had I left it the potential to turn cancerous was high."

Anderson said she had ignored the issue for while, despite being an Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation ambassador.

"I spend so much time encouraging women to look for signs in their bodies that aren't right because of my passion and commitment to the @ocrf cause, however chose to ignore my own issues due to being 'too busy'!?" she said.

"To say I'm disappointed in myself is an understatement."

Anderson added her partner Dean Anderson was also recovering from surgery.

"Deano also detached the retina from his eye and had to have urgent surgery while he was still nursing me," she said.

"We have both learned to be grateful for our health and each other. We have 5 healthy kids, our daughter and son in laws and 6 healthy grandchildren - we are so lucky.

"I want you all to know this year has also brought a lot of joy but behind the smiles there can be a lot going on.

"I still have a lot of swelling and soreness but am able to carry on with most of my everyday activities."

Anderson thanked fans for their support.

The star's Instagram post included a photo of her smiling and a snap of herself in hospital, followed by photos of her tumour.

Followers were quick to fill the comment section with words of encouragement, support and well-wishes.

"Oooft that is a melon of a growth. Glad that you're... on the mend!" one person wrote.

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"Thank you for honesty, sharing, courage, empathy for others and a teaching moment for us to learn from you," another added.

A follower shared: "Thank you for sharing, if this encourages just one person to get checked, it was well worth it."

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