Katie Couric reveals breast cancer diagnosis, calls for mammography

NEW YORK — Katie Couric, a journalist and former co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show, revealed Wednesday that she has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer — and urged other women to be vigilant and keep an eye out for the disease.

Couric, 65, said she was diagnosed in June after a routine mammogram and breast ultrasound that came six months late. Tests and a subsequent biopsy revealed cancer.

“I felt sick and the room started spinning,” Couric said wrote in an essay published on Wednesday on its website. She described her treatment: surgery in July and radiation therapy this month – yesterday being her final stage.

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Couric said she feels good now, despite having some pink skin from the treatment.

Couric, who has long advocated for frequent cancer screenings after losing her first husband to colon cancer, said she shares her story as a message to other women — especially those like herself who may want more screening because of dense breast tissue.

“Please get an annual mammogram,” Couric wrote. “I was six months late this time. I dread to think what might have happened if I had put it off any longer. But just as importantly, please find out if you need further testing.’

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This is reported by the National Cancer Institute Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. It says women between the ages of 45 and 54 should get a mammogram every year. Women age 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue with annual screenings.

It’s also important for women to know what their breasts normally look and feel like so they can tell their doctor about any changes. The Mayo Clinic has a guide to breast self-examination on its website.