The Power of Laughter
- Comedian and breast cancer survivor, Wanda Sykes, talked to fellow comedian Larry Wilmore about her net Netflix original sitcom The Upshaws.
- In 2011 Sykes was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, which refers to cancer that's confined to the breast milk duct.
- Two important things to know about this type of breast cancer that may be reassuring is that it often doesn’t spread to other parts of the body and the risk of death is basically zero.
Emmy-award winner Sykes, known for her work in The Chris Rock Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Blackish, recently spoke to fellow comedian Larry Wilmore on his podcast “Larry Wilmore: Black on Air,” about her new Netflix original sitcom The Upshaws. Sykes is a co-producer and stars alongside comedian Mike Epps and actress Kim Fields to portray a Black middle-class family dealing with modern-day issues in Midwest America.
Read MoreSkyes says the show “represents how most Americans are living right now. We talk about real issues, but it’s not preachy. It’s very funny…like conversations that you’re probably having in your home.”
Next up Sykes plans a return to stand-up. “I haven’t been on stage in 400 days, but I’m going up in a couple weeks, and I have no idea what I want to say. I got nothing. But I gotta get back out,” she says.
Sykes clearly can bring her comedy into any situation, whether it’s a new sitcom or sharing hilarious Instagram stories for her fans. When dealing with tough times, laughter can be considered a powerful medicine in coping. Sykes knows this all too well, especially considering she battled breast cancer in 2011.
While going through a breast reduction surgery, doctors discovered cancerous cells and diagnosed Sykes with stage zero breast cancer (also known as "ductal carcinoma in situ"). To prevent any chance of the cancer spreading and/or progressing, Sykes opted to go through a preventative double mastectomy.
What is Stage Zero Breast Cancer?
Hearing the words “you have breast cancer,” can obviously be scary for anyone. However, when facing a stage zero breast cancer diagnosis (the earliest stage), it’s important to know that it’s often extremely treatable. Stage zero breast cancer refers to cancer that's confined to the breast milk duct. Two important things to know about this type of breast cancer that may be reassuring is that it often doesn’t spread to other parts of the body and the risk of death is basically zero.
There is some debate about how to properly treat this cancer. Some doctors may suggest delaying treatment and instead going through active surveillance to see if the cancer cells change over time. Others may recommend the surgery route which usually involves a lumpectomy and potentially radiation as well. However, this is considered a far more aggressive treatment plan that is likely to come with side-effects. Ultimately, it’s the woman’s decision to decide what route she is most comfortable with. Like Sykes, a number of women do opt to go through mastectomies to avoid the possibility of breast cancer, especially if they hold the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
Dr. Elizabeth Comen breaks down stage zero breast cancer
Coping During Cancer
It's not easy to stay positive during cancer treatment, especially since side-effects of chemotherapy can be difficult both physically and mentally. However, studies have proven that the patients who have a support system surrounding them, and are able to stay positive, do better during treatment. Of course, negative emotions are extremely normal (and often warranted), but it's important patients are able to work through their emotions in order to cope with them. This can mean turning to a support group, relying on friends and family, or perhaps watching Sykes’ stand-up comedy special.
“The only advice I have for anyone is laugh and laugh often,” comedian and cancer caregiver Jesus Trejo told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. “Laugh at yourself. Don’t take yourself seriously. Things are already bad. Because once you do that, it’s a game changer. Laughter lasts so little, but the effects of it just reverberate through your body. It can change an already bad situation into a better one.”
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