Katie Couric Reveals She Has Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, second only to skin cancer. The best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat, and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms, is through a mammogram. Recently, Katie Couric, host of the Disney-ABC Domestic Television syndicated daytime talk show “Katie,” shared her breast cancer experience.

Katie Couric shared on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She also used the opportunity to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She stated that she wanted to share her own experience in order to encourage other ladies to undergo the test.

Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. On June 21st, I became one of them. As we approach #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, I wanted to share my personal story with you all and encourage you to get screened and understand that you may fall into a category of women who needs more than a mammogram.

In an essay published on her website, the former “Today” and “CBS Evening News” anchor detailed her diagnosis. Couric, who had breast cancer surgery in July and began radiation treatments on September 7, also mentioned that her first husband, Jay Monahan, died at 42 from colon cancer, and her sister died at 54 from pancreatic cancer. Her own cancer diagnosis left her with a “suspended animation feeling.”

My mood quickly shifted from disbelief to resignation. Given my family’s history of cancer, why would I be spared? My reaction went from ‘Why me?’ to ‘Why not me?’

Couric told her two daughters about her diagnosis four days later after she discovered the news.

I FaceTimed each of them. I tried to be as reassuring as Dr. Newman. Their faces froze in disbelief. Then shock. Then they began to cry. ‘Don’t worry,’ I told Carrie then Ellie, ‘I’m going to be fine,’ trying to convince myself as well as them. They’d already lost one parent. The idea of losing another was unfathomable.

“Please get your annual mammogram,” Couric added later in the essay. “I was six months late this time. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had put it off longer. But just as importantly, please find out if you need additional screening.”

You can check out Couric’s website to read the whole of her essay. Let’s hope she gets well soon. To get the latest updates, keep an eye on Thirsty.

What are your thoughts on Katie’s story? Let us know in the comments!