Beloved Philadelphia Weather Anchor, 66, Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis- “Get Screened and Get On With Your Life. That’s My Plan”

Serio, who has been employed at the news station since 1997, also took to FOX29’s website to write about her recent diagnosis, admitting she doesn’t know anyone who looks forward to getting a mammogram, including herself.

She writes, “It’s an uncomfortable procedure, but it’s incredibly important. Here’s my story: A few weeks ago, my annual mammogram (I call it a ‘mash-o-gram’) revealed a small spot that was different from the tissue around it.

“After a biopsy revealed it was malignant [cancerous], I had my diagnosis, followed by these words: it’s very, very small and you’re going to be fine.”

RELATED: Bi-Annual Mammograms At Age 40 Now Recommended For Most Women, What The New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Mean For You

Serio continued, “It’s called ‘early detection,’ and for the second time in my life, it’s probably going to save me.”

The beloved meteorologist, recounted experiencing something similar 14 years ago, when a “teeny tiny spot” was discovered during her yearly mammogram. However, when her doctor performed a lumpectomy [surgery to remove cancer from the breast] he wasn’t able to find any cancer, meaning it had all been removed during her biopsy.

From that moment on, she says she “never procrastinates” when it comes to getting her annual screenings.

RELATED: 3D Mammography Detects 34% More Breast Cancers Than Traditional Mammography

She explained further, “It’s 12 years later, and I am facing a similar situation. I will have surgery the day after Labor Day, about four weeks of recovery time, and some radiation therapy. My prognosis is excellent, and it’s because of early detection.

“Let’s be honest, a cancer diagnosis is scary. But it is not a death sentence. I know I have a challenging time ahead. I also know that ultimately I’m going to be fine, thanks to the team of kind and compassionate professionals at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.”

Serio, who often takes to Instagram to share light-hearted videos taken at work, also admitted she wishes this didn’t happen to her and that “there were no more cancer stories to tell,” but she’s determined to spread awareness and help others in breast cancer prevention.

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A post shared by Sue Serio (@sueseriofox29)

She concluded, “My only hope in sharing my experience is to make sure you don’t put off your screenings, and to make sure you get your loved ones in for their screenings. That someone who is procrastinating right now will make the appointment.

“Get screened and get on with your life. That’s my plan. See you soon!”

Serio is set to return back on air after she recovers for four weeks.

Learn Your Risk and Listen to the Guidelines: An Important Message About Breast Cancer Awareness

The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening

Screening for breast cancer is normally done through a mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and signs of cancer.

While there is some disagreement about the exact age a woman should start getting mammograms, doctors generally agree it should happen in their 40s.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests women should begin annual mammogram screenings for breast cancer at age 45 if they are at average risk for breast cancer.

However, an independent panel of experts called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now says that women should start getting mammograms every other year at the age of 40, suggesting that this lowered the age for breast cancer screening could save 19% more lives

WATCH: Mammograms are still the best tool for detecting breast cancer.

The ACS also advises:

• Women aged 40-44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year
• Women aged 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year
• Women aged 55 and older could also choose to continue yearly mammograms

For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer such as a BRCA gene mutation or a medical history including chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

Experiencing menstruation at an early age (before 12) or having dense breasts can also put you into a high-risk category. If you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer, you should begin screening earlier.

Don’t delay speaking with your doctor to make sure you are staying on top of your breast health.

Breast Cancer Surgery

A lumpectomy is a surgery to remove a cancer or abnormal tissue from the breast. It’s also known as breast-conserving surgery because, unlike mastectomy, only the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue are removed.

WATCH: Choosing between a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

During a mastectomy, the breast is removed. In a double mastectomy, both breasts are removed. In many cases, women choose to undergo breast reconstruction.

Reconstruction gives women the chance to have implants put in right after the mastectomy procedure. However, some women choose not to have reconstruction at all.

Dr. Elisa Port, Chief of Breast Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, told SurvivorNet that most women do opt to have some reconstruction. Depending on what sort of surgery a woman chooses, the time spent in surgery can vary greatly.

There are many different options and techniques available for reconstruction — from implants to using a woman’s own tissue — and choices about when to get the reconstruction, meaning immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed (which could be months or even years later).

WATCH: Deciding to get saline or silicone implants during a breast reconstruction.

Immediate reconstruction can produce better results than delayed reconstruction, resulting in fewer surgeries. However, it may require a more extended initial hospitalization and recovery time. This long surgery may also have a higher risk of complications, such as infections, than two separate surgeries.

It may be worth noting that “Delayed reconstruction has fewer complications than immediate reconstruction,” Dr. Terry Myckatyn, a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, told SurvivorNet.

When implants are used, the procedure can take two to three hours (so the total surgery time would be around five hours). During reconstruction, one can also take one’s own tissue (usually from the belly area) and transfer it into the breast area.

After breast cancer surgery, women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may also need chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.

How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam

If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as new lumps or nipple changes, ask your doctor about getting a mammogram or other screening tests. Remember that you’re the best expert on your own health and what’s normal, or not, for your body. In between regular mammogram screenings, SurvivorNet’s experts also recommend that you do regular breast self-exams.

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror.
Stand with shoulders straight and arms on hips, and look for the following:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.
• If you notice dimpling, puckering, or bulging, bring this to your doctor’s attention.
• Also, check with your doctor if a nipple has inverted or changed position; or if you see redness, soreness, a rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.
While you’re facing the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid– or blood).

Step 3: Next, feel your breasts while lying down:
Use your right hand to feel your left breast; your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women.

Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: For the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 4: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting.
Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 3.

What To Ask Your Doctor

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have questions about how to keep your strength through treatment. Here are a few questions to help you begin the conversation with your doctor:

• What treatment will I be receiving?
• What side effects are associated with this treatment?
• Are there steps I can take in my daily life to help minimize these side effects?
• What physical activity routine do you recommend for me during treatment?
• Do you have recommendations for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy exercise?
• Can you recommend a dietician who can help me with healthy eating tips and maintaining a healthy weight?
• I’ve been having trouble sleeping, do you have any treatment recommendations?

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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