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Robin Roberts: 'I have Breast Cancer'

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

(New York-WABC, July 31, 2007) (WABC) -- Robin Roberts is part of the ABC family. So when the Good Morning America co-host announce she had breast cancer, it hit everyone deeply.

Roberts told everyone the importance of early detection and many people were listening.

Robin says she first found the lump in her breast through self examination, subsequent tests confirmed that it was cancer. Already, that announcement, has encouraged other women to take a look at their own health. It's also reminded all us about the importance of early detection and mammography.

Roberts, 46, said as she looked into the cameras, "We wanted you to hear it from us, didn't want you to hear it from anywhere else. It's now enabled me to say it out loud."

The startling announcement once again put the spotlight on a disease that has been diagnosed in some 250,000 women each year.

"I don't know about nobody else but it sure made me come screening and check on myself," said Rose White.

White was watching Roberts' announcement this morning, that's why she came to the Morris Heights health center in the Bronx to get a free mammogram.

Doctors say finding breast cancer as early as possible improves the likelihood the treatment will be successful.

"There's no cancer related in my family, but you never can tell," said White.

Visibly shaken with Diane Sawyer right beside her, Roberts told viewers this morning she's been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer.

"It's in the early stages. I will have surgery on Friday. I get treatment and move forward as millions of people do when they hear this," said Roberts.

Early detection and mammography are part of the steps that need to be taken in preventing and handling breast.

Ironically, it was the recent death of her ABC colleague Joel Siegel, who died after a long bout with cancer, pushed her to focus her attention on her own health.

Click here for more information on Roberts' diagnosis, her plans in the coming months and her personal message to viewers. Related Links:

American Cancer Society
Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer

American Academy of Family Physicians
Breast Cancer: Steps to Finding Breast Lumps Early

National Cancer Institute
Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women

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