Feeling Confident After Cancer
- TV anchor Britt McHenry, 35, is thriving after beating brain cancer, and looking stunning while doing so!
- Not only is the former ESPN and FOX personality about to celebrate another birthday, but most importantly, she has reached her two year “cancerversary,” which is a big deal for the survivor community.
- Body positivity at any age or weight is important, and we especially applaud survivors who are feeling good about themselves. After all, your body has been through a lot, and you should celebrate it however you choose.
Not only is the former ESPN and FOX personality about to celebrate another birthday, but most importantly, she has reached her two year “cancerversary,” which is a big deal for the survivor community.
Read MoreAbout to turn another year older. 2 years brain cancer free. New work coming. Thankful for all of you who follow here! pic.twitter.com/C3fkulDbS6
Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) May 22, 2022
Many other survivors chimed in with celebratory responses and words of encouragement, while one follower asked Britt what her routine is, and we don’t blame them, as she displayed a very radiant and healthy look!
Body positivity at any age or weight is important, and we especially applaud survivors who are feeling good about themselves. After all, your body has been through a lot, and you should celebrate it however you choose. Plus, just because Britt looks good physically, doesn’t mean she’s not suffering from physical or emotional aftermath from cancer treatment. Sometimes you have to give yourself a little extra love to get some more pep in your step, which Britt basically confirmed in her last post.
“This is the strongest I've felt in a long time … when you beat brain cancer and continue to watch your health, sometimes you take little victories,” the Pump the Brakes podcast host posted, presumably about her own figure and sexy outfit. Again, we say get it girl!
View this post on Instagram
Prior to her health journey, Britt was a commentator on Fox Nation and hosted Un-PC, a show on the streaming service. However, she parted ways with Fox after settling a lawsuit last year with the television network over a sexual harassment claim she filed in December 2019. In the lawsuit, she claimed that Tyrus, her former co-host, engaged in inappropriate behavior. That behavior included what's been described as “sexually charged” text messages. Before her time with Fox Nation, she was at ESPN for four years.
Britt’s time at ESPN was not without incidents. She was suspended after berating a towing company attendant in an incident caught on video. Later, after being swept up in a round of lay offs by the sports giant, she said publicly she lost her job because she was white and conservative.
Britt’s Brain Cancer Journey
Although Britt was originally trying to keep her diagnosis under wraps, as she has had enough scrutiny in the media, she decided to take control of the narrative back in February of 2020. Since then, Britt has been vocal on her socials and urging people to get in and get a brain MRI if something doesn't seem right.
It was actually Britt's chiropractor who suggested she get an MRI, which caught her cancer just in time. "I will always be grateful to him," she has said.
Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate … Don't Settle
When Britt decided to speak out about her health, she shared with her supporters that a "golf-ball sized" tumor was found on her brain, and added that she would be having surgery. She said that her doctors believe the tumor was cancerous, but it was unknown at the time.
"I was trying to keep this relatively private. But as usual, things are being said without my consent," she wrote on Twitter. Britt had surgery for her brain cancer in April of 2020. She disclosed that the tumor was found in her left frontal lobe.
SNTV Presents 'Endless Abilities,' Sports Can Bring Together People of All Abilities
"I struggled a bit emotionally with that quick turn of events later," she posted on Instagram about the surgery. "The headaches I had attributed to stress from hard stuff I was experiencing were actually brain tumor symptoms. It had grown so large, it was near my eyes and the headaches involved vomiting."
Headaches are common, but if they don't go away after proper hydration and rest, it's important to go in and get checked, especially if you are experiencing nausea as well.
Not All Brain Tumors Are Cancerous
Even though Britt's story is quite scary and can happen to anyone, it is also very rare to experience. Plus, a lot of people think "cancer" when they hear the word tumor. However, most brain tumors aren't actually cancerous. Less than one third (about 32%) of brain tumors are considered malignant (cancerous), according to the American Brain Tumor Association.
If a tumor is made up of normal-looking cells, then the tumor is benign. But these tumors may still require treatment, such as surgery. Because of this, they are often referred to as "non-malignant," since the word benign can be misleading.
The most common type of non-malignant brain tumors are meningiomas, however, there are 120 different types of brain and central nervous system tumors, according to ABTA.
Oftentimes after an MRI, a biopsy will be performed on a brain tumor to determine its type. Sometimes, the results of imaging tests show that a tumor is likely to be non-malignant, and a biopsy is not necessary. Britt didn't disclose whether or not she had a biopsy, simply stating that her tumor would be removed with surgery.
All that matters is that she beat the disease and is giving others hope who are having to suffer from the same ordeal. Please talk to a doctor immediately if you have similar issues to Britt or any other concerns.
Contributing by SurvivorNet staff.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.