Survivor Sykes to Host Oscars This Year
- Breast cancer survivor Wanda Sykes, 57, is confirmed to host the Oscars this year on March 27, 2022, along with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall.
- Skyes’ breast cancer was discovered in 2011 following tissue tests done after a cosmetic breast reduction surgery. She had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS ) in her left breast.
- Breast cancer is screened for via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue. The current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that women aged 45 to 54 with a regular risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually.
View this post on InstagramRead MoreSykes will host the show with fellow comedian Amy Schumer and actress Regina Hall, and it’s the first time in 35 years that three people have hosted the show together. And The Hollywood Reporter reports, “never have that many women held the emcee position in a single evening.”Sykes has been a working comedian for decades and she’s appeared on many television shows, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Black-ish and The New Adventures of Old Christine, with fellow breast cancer survivor Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Sykes has 14 Emmy nominations and one win.
Wanda's Cancer Journey
Skyes’ breast cancer was discovered in 2011 following tissue tests done after a cosmetic breast reduction surgery. Sykes told People magazine, "It wasn't until after the reduction that in the lab work, the pathology, that they found that I had DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ] in my left breast. I was very, very lucky because DCIS is basically stage-zero cancer. So I was very lucky."
Skyes has a history of breast cancer in her family, and she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy. "I had both breasts removed … because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer," she said.
"I had the choice of, you can go back every three months and get it checked," Sykes explained to People. “Have a mammogram, MRI every three months just to see what it's doing. But, I'm not good at keeping on top of stuff. I'm sure I'm overdue for an oil change and a teeth cleaning already."
When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
Screening for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is screened for via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and other signs of existing cancer, or cancer in its earliest stages. If a worrisome lump is detected, your radiologist or doctor will advise you on the next steps, which typically include a breast biopsy.
The current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that women aged 45 to 54 with a regular risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually. For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer (who have a family history of the disease, like Sykes, or carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation), you should begin screening before age 45. Speak with family members about your family cancer history it could save your life.
Performing self-exams in the shower or at home is another good way to stay on top of breast cancer screenings; these should be done in addition to not in place of mammograms.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
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