‘Positive Thinking Is Half the Battle’: Jillian Barberie, 54, Says She Gets Screened for Cancer Every Three Months After Having a Double Mastectomy Three Years Ago

She later posted: “Bone density test and bloodwork today! #cancer 3 month check up. Here we go!!”

Barberie was diagnosed with stage 2 and 3 breast cancer in 2018 during a routine mammogram. Her cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes by the time it was detected, prompting Barberie to take an aggressive approach with her recovery. Two weeks after that mammogram, and at the recommendation of her oncologist, she had a double mastectomy. That was then followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

She has said in the past that she asked her doctor to advise her as if she was “her mother, sister or daughter,” adding:  “I was aggressive and I wanted it gone. 10 months later…… it [was].”

Yes Christine!!! It saved my life. Truly bc I felt no pain or anything. I'm so glad you got your mammogram!!! That's why we made a party day of our mammograms. Misosas, Massages and Mammograms 💗❤️🙏🏼 https://t.co/DHZMUS3s61

Jillian Barberie (@askjillian) June 21, 2021

Barberie also took a moment to tell women just how important it is to get screened for breast cancer, saying of her own mammogram: “It saved my life. Truly [because] I felt no pain or anything.”

The TV personality even offered up some ideas for how to make a cancer screening into a little party, noting that she and her friends did “mimosas, massages and mammograms.”

Getting a Mammogram

After sharing her experience with her Twitter followers, Barberie encouraged them to get their yearly mammograms.

Related: 'One of the Most Important Decisions You Make in Your Life Every Year': Singer and Breast Cancer Survivor Sheryl Crow, 59, Urges Women to Get Mammograms

Women aged 45 and 54 should have annual mammograms; women with a history of breast cancer in their family should begin screening even earlier.  Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes in an earlier interview how mammograms save lives. She says, "If you haven't gone through menopause yet, I think it's very important that you have a mammogram every year. We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving."

Related: When You're Getting a Mammogram, Ask About Dense Breasts

"After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years," says Dr. Lehman. "But what I'm most concerned about is the women who haven't been in for a mammogram for two, three, or four years, those women that have never had a mammogram. We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives."

When Should I Get a Mammogram?

Doing a Self-Exam at Home

In addition to regular mammogram screenings, women should also do self-exams at home. The American Cancer Society (ACS), says, “Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a health care provider right away.”

Related: You Should Be Aware of These Signs of Breast Cancer

The National Breast Cancer Foundation says here’s how to do a self-exam at home:

1. While standing straight in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and look at your breasts for any swelling, bulging, changes in the shape of breast or nipple (inverted), redness, rashes, or any fluid leaking. Then do the same with your arms in the air.
2. Next, while lying down, use your right hand to examine your left breast and vice versa, while using your first three fingers to apply pressure. Ensure you cover the entire breast area, from your collarbone to below your ribcage and from your armpit to your cleavage area. Do the same self-exam standing or sitting up. Be sure to use light to medium pressure for the middle breast area and firmer pressure when feeling deep breast tissue.

Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams

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