Screening for Breast Cancer
- This year's Oscars co-host and breast cancer survivor Wanda Sykes says she isn't planning to "poke fun" at anyone on stage this year, contrary to what her co-hosts might do.
- In 2011, Sykes was diagnosed with breast cancer after tissue tests were done following a cosmetic breast reduction surgery.
- Breast cancer is screened for via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and other signs of existing cancer, or cancer in its earliest stages.
- If a worrisome lump is detected, your radiologist or doctor will advise you on the next steps, which typically include a breast biopsy.
"I'm not going after people or anyone in particular," she told Variety. "Look, it's a big night. People worked hard on these movies. They got all dressed up and hope to take home some hardware. So I want it to be a fun night."
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Sykes also said that as a celebrity herself she won't be getting starstruck with the immense talent making appearances at the awards show.
"I don't think I'll get star-struck because I'm working," she said. "When I'm focused and there to do a job, it's all about getting the work done."
However, she does, in fact, have on trick up her sleeve.
"You know what? I'm going to bring my airhorn,” Sykes told Variety. “That's what I'm going to do. I'm getting these folks off the stage."
Tune into the 94th Oscars on Sunday, March 27, beginning at 5 p.m. PT and 8 p.m. ET.
Wanda Sykes' Cancer Battle
In 2011, Wanda Sykes was diagnosed with breast cancer after tissue tests were done following a cosmetic breast reduction surgery.
Sykes told People magazine: "It wasn't until after the reduction that in the lab work, the pathology, that they found that I had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my left breast. I was very, very lucky because DCIS is basically stage-zero cancer. So I was very lucky."
The comedian has a history of breast cancer in her family, and she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy (surgery to remove the breast).
When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
"I had both breasts removed," she said, "because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer."
"I had the choice of, you can go back every three months and get it checked," Sykes added during her interview with People. "Have a mammogram, MRI every three months just to see what it's doing. But, I'm not good at keeping on top of stuff. I'm sure I'm overdue for an oil change and a teeth cleaning already."
Screening for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is screened for via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and other signs of existing cancer, or cancer in its earliest stages. If a worrisome lump is detected, your radiologist or doctor will advise you on the next steps, which typically include a breast biopsy.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
The current guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend that women between the ages of 45 to 54 with a regular risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually. For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer (who have a family history of the disease, like Sykes, or carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation), you should begin screening before age 45. Speak with family members about your family cancer history; it could save your life.
Performing self-exams in the shower or at home is another good way to stay on top of breast cancer screenings; these should be done in addition to not in place of mammograms.
Contributing: Anne McCarthy
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