Will Comedian Wanda Sykes, 59, Share More Stories of Her Breast Cancer Journey in New Netflix Special?

“From the challenges of raising Gen Z teens to the dilemmas of being a liberal in a hypercharged political climate…Sykes delivers ‘her insightful and ferocious wit and candor audiences have come to know and love’,” entertainment outlet Variety says.

It’s not uncommon for Sykes to use her own life experiences during her performances. In previous standup routines, the comedian has referenced her breast cancer journey.

One of the things that makes Sykes so inspiring is her resilience and her ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations. In her 2019 Comedy Central special “Bustin’ Loose,” she joked about her ability to have “Baywatch” moments and run effortlessly with no bra because of the implants she received after her mastectomy (removal of both breasts).

We hope that we can hear more light-hearted stories like this in her next special and find the joy in challenging situations.

Through her advocacy, humor, and courage, Sykes’ willingness to share her experience with the world has helped to break down stigmas and raise awareness about the disease.

In between her standup acts, Sykes regularly posts to social media on current events with tidbits of commentary. She also regularly posts about other ongoing projects, including another Netflix show she stars in, “The UpShaws.” The show focuses on a working-class African American family living in the Midwest.

 

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Wanda Sykes’ Breast Cancer Journey

Wanda Sykes was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer (or ductal carcinoma in situ – DCIS) in 2011. While going for a breast reduction, tests found that she had DCIS in her left breast, CNN reported.

DCIS has two important factors to note: It hasn’t spread to other parts of the body, and the risk of death is essentially zero.

The mother of two shared her diagnosis on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” after having a double mastectomy, which is the removal of both of her breasts. She also underwent reconstruction after the mastectomy.

“A double mastectomy typically takes about two hours for the cancer part of the operation, the removing of the tissue,” Dr. Elisa Port, Chief of Breast Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, tells SurvivorNet. “The real length, the total length of the surgery, can often depend on what type of reconstruction [a patient] has.”

Afterward, some women decide to have their breasts reconstructed and have implants put in, while others don’t have reconstruction at all.

“I had both breasts removed…because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer,” Sykes said.

It should be noted that a double mastectomy may not be the recommended treatment for others with DCIS. Choosing the treatment that’s right for you is a very personal decision, and you should discuss your options with your doctor.

Although Sykes eventually went public with her breast cancer battle, it took her several months before she started telling others about it.

Sykes’ decision to wait to share such a personal health experience is completely normal, says Dr. Lori Plutchik.

Dr. Plutchik told SurvivorNet that some share the information widely with family, friends, and beyond — and feel comfortable doing so.

“Other people are much more private about it,” she says, “And there is no one right way to handle this diagnosis.

“People should do what feels right to them,” she said.

In the years following her breast cancer diagnosis, Sykes has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness by doing PSAs promoting early detection through mammograms and self-exams. During her PSA, she announced she’s still “cancer free.”

Understanding the Basics of Breast Cancer

Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in American women.

Two of the top risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older, with most breast cancer patients being diagnosed in women older than 50.

Women who got their periods before they turned 12 years old or started menopause after 55 years old are at increased risk. Other factors include a family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations to genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are inherited.

Family history also influences a person’s chances of getting breast cancer from both the mother and the father. Other risk factors include having a prior biopsy for an area that indicates any abnormalities and prior radiation exposure.

“Some lifestyle factors to think about…such as being obese… and drinking,” are areas that can influence breast cancer, Comen went on to say.

A mammogram is the primary test doctors use to screen for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Medical experts say breast cancer symptoms can present in a few different ways. New lumps in the breast or underarm are common symptoms of breast cancer. Swelling, skin dimpling or peeling of the breasts are other visual cues women should be looking out for when checking for signs of breast cancer.

“For some women that means going to their doctor and walking through what a self-breast exam looks like, so they know what normal breast tissue feels like so if they do feel something abnormal whether it’s a lump or discharge from the nipple they know what to ask and what to look for,” Comen said.

WATCH: Stage zero breast cancer, otherwise known as DCIS or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, is confined to the breast milk duct. It may not need treatment.

What Is Stage Zero Breast Cancer?

Stage zero breast cancer refers to DCIS, otherwise known as ductal carcinoma in situ. DCIS are abnormal cells that line the duct in a breast. A normal breast is made up of lots of ducts (these ducts carry milk to the nipple in a woman who is lactating).

DCIS is not an invasive cancer, meaning it hasn’t spread outside the milk duct and it cannot invade other parts of the breast. In some instances, if left untreated, doctors believe that DCIS can evolve into more invasive breast cancer. For this reason, historically, the standard treatment for DCIS is to remove it surgically and, in some instances, offer radiation as well.

But many doctors aren’t sure if even that is necessary for DCIS, because it may or may not turn into cancer.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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