An Inspiring Role Model
- Sleepless In Seattle star Rita Wilson, 64, shared a super cute photo on Instagram with actor Tony Danza from her appearance in an episode of the ’80s hit show Who’s The Boss, which also starred Alyssa Milano and Judith Light.
- The cancer survivor, who is also promoting her song Boss of Me, has worked hard to get to where she is today and is encouraging women to speak up about harassment in the workplace.
- Wilson’s stage zero breast cancer is typically 100% treatable, according to a leading expert.
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“I am lucky to have been able to always support myself doing work I love,” the actress and singer continued. “In my business, you come across a lot of unsavory characters. Women often have to experience the dark side of harassment as we know all too well. There's a freedom that comes when finally speaking up and using your voice. Luckily, this show has nothing but wonderful memories for me.”
Wilson encouraged fans to “share stories of courage” and “being the boss of you.”
A Breast Cancer Survivor
In 2015, Wilson was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, which is a non-invasive early cancer that is highly treatable. Following the diagnosis, Wilson underwent a bilateral mastectomy a surgery done to prevent breast cancer for women who are at high risk.
"I have taken a leave … to deal with a personal health issue," she told People at the time. "Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma."
Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the glands of the breast that produce milk, which are called lobules. If the cancer is invasive, it has broken out of the lobules, and has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Stage zero breast cancer, also known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), is diagnosed by abnormal cells in the breast duct, but they do not invade other parts of the breast. However, if it goes untreated, it may evolve into an invasive form of cancer.
Related: I Have Stage Zero Breast Cancer: What Should I Do?
"Stage zero breast cancer is in and of itself not necessarily going to turn into that invasive breast cancer, and so many have questioned 'well do we actually really need to do surgery on something that may or may not turn into a problem?’" Dr. Ann Partridge, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, tells SurvivorNet.
“It’s a pre-cancer, technically,” Dr. Partridge tells us of DCIS. “It’s something that may turn into invasive breast cancer.”
That’s why scheduling your mammogram is the most important thing you can do to catch breast cancer early. There have been debates as to what age women should begin screening, typically 40 or 45. Earlier if you have a family history. It’s best to consult with your own doctor and determine what age is best for you to begin screening.
Understanding Stage Zero Breast Cancer
Leading Expert Dr. Elizabeth Komen Educates About Stage Zero Breast Cancer
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
