Honoring Nightbirde After Her Cancer Battle
- Former America's Got Talent contestant, Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski recently passed away on February 19, after a years-long battle with cancer. She was 31. AGT’s spinoff show paid tribute to the late singer on Monday night.
- In 2019, Nightbirde was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer; her cancer battle began in 2017 when a 4-centimeter tumor was discovered on her breast.
- Screening for breast cancer is done via mammograms, which look for lumps in the breast tissue and early signs of cancer.
At the end of America’s Got Talent: Extreme, a title card honoring Nightbirde read: “In Memory of Jane ‘Nightbirde’ Marczewski,” reports People magazine.
Read MoreNightbirde’s Cancer Battle
In 2021, Nightbirde appeared on the 16th season of America's Got Talent and stole the hearts of viewers and judges. She shared that her breast cancer had spread to her liver and her lungs. Her battle began in 2017 when a 4-centimeter tumor was discovered on her breast. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy for treatment. Related: Remembering 'AGT' Contestant Nightbirde, 31, An Inspiration to Cancer Warriors EverywhereAnd in 2019, she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer on New Year's Eve. Her doctors discovered multiple tumors on her liver, lungs, lymph nodes, ribs, and spine. She was told that she had three to six months to live but she surprised doctors with her strength and endurance amid treatment.
Metastatic breast cancer treatment options include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. Sometimes, radiation or surgery might also be considered at this stage. Nightbirde shared in late 2021 that some of her tumors had miraculously shrunk.
An Overview of Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer
Screening for Breast Cancer
Mammograms are the screening tool for detecting breast cancer and early signs of cancer in the breast tissue. When it comes to breast cancer, mammograms save lives. 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.
Related: Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams
For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer this means they either have a history of breast cancer in the family, or they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation they should begin screening even earlier, before age 45.
While getting a mammogram, ask about dense breasts, which may obscure cancer. The technician will be able to do determine whether or not you have dense breasts.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
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