In a shocking turn of events, Jill Martin, a contributor to the Today show, has been diagnosed with breast cancer just one week after testing positive for the BRCA gene, which is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The 47-year-old Martin expresses her mix of emotions, stating, “I am in shock, but at the same time, I’m so grateful because it could be a very different story.”
Despite having a clear mammogram earlier this year, Martin’s decision to undergo genetic testing following fibroid surgery led to the unexpected result. After receiving a call that she had tested positive for the BRCA gene, Martin swiftly took action, opting for a preventive bilateral mastectomy. However, further examination revealed that she had already developed breast cancer, making the situation more serious than anticipated.
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Martin shared the news with the Today show audience and penned an essay on Today.com, using her platform to raise awareness and potentially save lives. She will now take a leave of absence to undergo a bilateral mastectomy and begin additional treatment.
Martin remains optimistic and acknowledges the advancements in personalized medicine that have allowed for more tailored and effective treatments.
Amidst a range of emotions, Martin finds solace in her purpose, family, and the opportunity to spread awareness. She encourages others to get tested, recognizing that being sad, scared, and proactive can coexist.
