Jade Goody leaving her home in a taxi. Essex, England - 21.08.08

The former Big Brother contestant was at the centre of international controversy last year (07) after making allegedly racist comments about fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty during a celebrity series of the show.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer this week (begs18Aug08) - and doctors broke the news as she was appearing on India's version of Big Brother.

Goody immediately flew back to U.K. to start treatment - and admits medics told her that without emergency surgery, she would only have months to live.

In an interview with British newspaper The Sun, mum-of-two Goody says, "I asked my consultant what would have happened if I'd stayed for the full three months of BB. I was told, 'Jade, you would have died.'

"I've got no control over this disease and I'm bloody terrified. I am going to fight the damn thing every step of the way because I have two beautiful boys who are my world. But I have to be realistic and face the possibility that I might not live to see them grow up."

Source: WENN