Robin Roberts Reassures Fans
- Good Morning America fans got more and more concerned with each passing day last week as breast cancer survivor and beloved long-time host Robin Roberts was absent from the show.
- On Thursday, Roberts revealed that she had tested positive for COVID, and was looking forward to returning to the show as soon as it is safe to do so.
- On Twitter and Instagram, fans wrote back with messages of support and encouragement.
On Thursday, Robin Roberts let her fans in on the real reason for her absence and her silenceshe tested positive for COVID. Fans were relieved to learn that the her symptoms were manageable and she would be returning to the show soon.
Read MoreView this post on Instagram
"Take good care of your moms," one fan commented, reference Roberts and her partner. "Sending all of you healing and positive vibes." Another fan wrote, "Good to hear your voice, sweet Lukas. Hugs to all three of you. Help your mommas get well."
Roberts' Breast Cancer Journey
In 2007, Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to use her platform to build awareness around breast screening and treatment, and she battled the disease in the public eye. On top of her breast cancer battle, Roberts had to have a bone marrow transplant to treat her MDS–a rare type of blood cancer that may have been brought on by her breast cancer treatments.
Robin Roberts’ efforts to spread breast cancer awareness actually resulted in her identifying her own breast cancer. In preparation for a story about the importance of early detection in breast cancer, Roberts performed a self-check at home, and discovered a lump.
A warning about choosing thermography over a mammogram for breast cancer detection — the tests are significantly less sensitive.
Roberts went through surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. In a previous interview discussing surgical options for treating cancer, Dr. Ann Partridge of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explained how she evaluates the treatment path.
She says, "So when I talk to a woman who comes to me and she has breast cancer, I evaluate what the standard options for treatment for her are, which typically include cutting out the cancer which is either a lumpectomy if you can get it all with just a little scooping around of the area that's abnormal or a mastectomy for some women meaning taking the full breast because sometimes these lesions can be very extensive in the breast. And I'll talk to a woman about that and I'll say these are two main options or the big fork in the road."
Mammograms & Cancer Screenings
Breast cancer screening is essential to catching the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages. Screening is especially important if you have a history of cancer in your family.
There is wide consensus that women should have annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 54. Learn more from our expert, Dr. Connie Lehman.
When it comes to breast cancer, self-exams and mammograms save lives. As Robin Roberts discovered, early detection is critically important and it can mean broader treatment options as well. Women ages 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually.
Some women may have an elevated risk of breast cancer because of a gene mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2. They should begin screening even earlier, before age 45.
While getting a mammogram, it is important to ask your doctor about dense breasts, which may obscure cancer. The technician will be able to determine whether or not you have dense breasts.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
