One in eight women have had breast cancer, and MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell is now among that group. The veteran newswoman delivered the news of her diagnosis during a “how I spent my summer” closing segment during a live broadcast of her show Wednesday afternoon. Mitchell used herself as an example, not for sympathy but rather to raise awareness and urge women to get tested. “For you women out there and for the men who love you, screening matters. Do it. This disease can be completely curable, if you find it at the right time,” she said.
Mitchell has been connected to the breast cancer community for years before her diagnosis. She has participated in a number of Susan G. Komen events and walks, attended their Honoring the Promise gala and, this October, is serving on the gala’s honorary Women in the Media Committee.
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Her support and contributions have not gone unnoticed. “We’ve been so grateful for Andrea’s work with us as a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Race participant, as one of our Women in Media awardees and for the many ways that she’s helped educate women about breast cancer over the years,” Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker told Yeas & Nays on Thursday. “I hope that a huge number of women heard that message and are following Andrea’s advice, because early detection and treatment are our best offense against this disease,” Brinker continued.
Mitchell is back at work with a “terrific prognosis,” she said.
