Facing a challenging journey with breast cancer, CNN anchor Sara Sidner emphasizes the importance of early detection and self-care while showing remarkable strength and resilience.
- May 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - CNN anchor Sara Sidner, co-anchor of CNN News Central, continues her courageous fight against breast cancer, announcing an essential but grueling step in her treatment plan: a double mastectomy. Sidner, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in October 2023, shared the news with viewers on Wednesday, May 22 prior to her surgery scheduled for Thursday.
"After five months of chemo, I have not yet become cancer-free," Sidner disclosed candidly. "The next phase is a double mastectomy... What I have learned so far in my cancer journey is treating it is more a marathon than a sprint."
Sidner's realness about her health struggle extends back to January when she first revealed her diagnosis. Highlighting the insidious nature of the disease, she reminded viewers, "I have never been sick a day of my life. I don't smoke. I rarely drink. Breast cancer does not run in my family. And yet here I am with Stage 3 breast cancer. It is hard to say out loud... Stage 3 is not a death sentence anymore for the vast majority of women."
Further compounding the gravity of her situation, Sidner underscored a critical health disparity: Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to their white counterparts. A statistic that she believes mandates vigilant self-care and annual mammograms for all women.
Sidner also spoke of the profound changes in her outlook on life, finding gratitude amid adversity. "I have thanked cancer for choosing me. I'm learning that no matter what hell we go through in life, I am still madly in love with this life. And just being alive feels really different for me now. I am happier because I don't stress about foolish little things that used to annoy me," she revealed.
In addition to continuing her professional responsibilities at CNN, Sidner has championed cancer awareness, encouraging others to remain vigilant and proactive with health checks. "Please, for the love of God, do your checks yourself... Don't play with this, just please try to catch it before I did," she implored.
With a fighter's spirit, Sidner remains determined. "I just made a decision. I'm like, 'No, you're going to live, and you're going to stop this, and you're going to do every single thing in your arsenal to survive this. Period. And I have been so much happier in my life since... I mean happier than I was before cancer," she told PEOPLE.
As she embarks on this next phase of her treatment, Sidner's journey serves not only as a personal testament to resilience but also as a powerful reminder to young people to prioritize their health and take proactive steps toward early detection. Her co-anchors, Kate Bolduan and John Berman, will fill in during her recovery period, eagerly awaiting her return.
If you or a loved one is facing a similar journey, remember Sidner's words and take proactive steps today. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay hopeful.
