What's Next for Bravo's Dr. Jackie Walters Who Survived A Cheating Husband & Two Bouts of Breast Cancer?

The Married to Medicine star is a survivor, too. She battled breast cancer not once, but twice and has come out on the other side. We love to see this kind of inspiring survivor story, which gives hope to so many who are fighting this disease. Both Dr. Waters and her marriage are survivor stories; after infidelity, the doctor and husband Curtis Berry reconciled and recommitted to their relationship.  Walters is an example of what can be achieved if you have the determination and ability to press onward, even in the face of hardship. (Married to Medicine returns for its eighth season Sunday.)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Jackie Walters (@therealdrjackie)

Dr. Walters’ Breast Cancer Battle

Dr. Waters battled breast cancer twice. And while we don’t know details about her treatment path and breast cancer incidences, we do know that this disease is typically treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Waters has used her powerful platform for good, too. Her 50 Shades of Pink Foundation helps cancer survivors rediscover their inner-confidence, after fighting cancer.

Related: What Are the Options if You Have a High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?

When asked by NBC what keeps her motivated, the doctor says, “If everybody was given an opportunity to think; I'm going to die, I might not be here tomorrow; then every morning you wake up, you're grateful. Like I get to wake up. And its even tougher for me because I have the breast cancer foundation and I get to sit with women who, I call it transitioning into angels, but you know they die. And to see that breast cancer has taken the lives of a lot of young ladies that I am grateful to be alive.”

Related: Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams

Dr. Waters reminds others to do their breast self-exams. She tells NBC, “your best protection is early detection. So self-breast exams every month, mammograms at age 40 unless it's a family issue, it can be earlier and if there is a sign or question on anything about your breast. Please see your doctor.”

 

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is typically detected via mammography. Mammograms look for lumps in the breast tissue and signs of cancer. Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the breast imaging division at Massachusetts General Hospital, says in an earlier interview, “If you haven’t gone through menopause yet, I think it’s very important that you have a mammogram every year. We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving.”

Related: When You're Getting a Mammogram, Ask About Dense Breasts

“After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years,” says Dr. Lehman. “But what I’m most concerned about is the women who haven’t been in for a mammogram for two, three, or four years, those women that have never had a mammogram. We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives.”

Related: The Mammogram Debate: Should Women Start Breast Cancer Screening at 30?

“Every doctor that I know, every organization that I know really encourages women to have a mammogram. I want to be completely clear,” she says. “If you are between 50 and 74 and you have not had a mammogram in the last two years, you are overdue. Please get a mammogram.”

When Should I Get a Mammogram?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.