Rita's Hopeful Outlook
- Actress and singer Rita Wilson recently reflected on the hardships posed for people, especially performers, during the COVID-19 pandemic; Wilson has survived COVID-19 and breast cancer.
- Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015; for treatment, she had a mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery.
- Mammograms are the screening method for breast cancer, and women aged 45 to 54 should have mammograms annually.
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Rita’s Cancer Journey & Screening for Breast Cancer
Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She underwent a mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery, to treat her cancer. The actress and singer's specific diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma.
Related: When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
Breast cancer is typically detected via a mammogram, the screening method for breast cancer, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and early signs of breast cancer. Women aged 45 to 54 should have mammograms annually. Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, says in an earlier interview, "If you haven't gone through menopause yet, I think it's very important that you have a mammogram every year."
Related: When You're Called Back After a Mammogram: Breaking Down the Numbers
"We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving," says Dr. Lehman. "After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years. 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?
Coping with Hardship During & After Cancer
For people coping with hardship during the pandemic, or during a cancer battle, it’s important to find sources of support and strength during the journey. During the pandemic, mental health has been shaky for most; rates of anxiety and depression have increased and the work-from-home lifestyle presents an abundance of daily challenges.
For people battling cancer during the pandemic, it’s been especially challenging. Restrictions have meant people need to attend screening appointments or chemotherapy rounds on their own, without the support of a friend or family member. As Wilson says, though, there’s hope on the horizon.
For anyone struggling right now, seeking support is the best way through it. Therapy can be a powerful and helpful way to process feelings like depression, anxiety, and overwhelm, which may crop up during a cancer battle, or during the pandemic.
"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
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