Self-Exams Matter: Why These TV Powerhouses Say Don’t Skip Them
Oct 18, 2024
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In a heartfelt discussion, Sara Sidner, CNN journalist and stage three breast cancer survivor, shares her raw journey alongside Ananda Lewis, a former MTV host and content creator also battling breast cancer. They explore the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of self-examinations and early detection. The friends delve into personal advocacy, coping mechanisms, and the need for open conversations about health. Amidst challenges, they highlight the joy of living life fully and the power of support during such tumultuous times.
The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare is highlighted, as both women stress the need to voice concerns during treatment.
Their individual treatment journeys showcase the significance of personalized care approaches, balancing aggressive methods and alternative options in cancer management.
Deep dives
Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the significant impact of breast cancer on individuals and families. This year, the focus is on personal stories, particularly from CNN anchor Sarah Seidner, who bravely navigated her own stage three diagnosis. It is emphasized that one in eight women in the U.S. will face this disease, with over four million survivors currently living. The episode features intimate conversations among Seidner, colleague Stephanie Elam, and friend Ananda Lewis, who also shared her breast cancer journey.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy
A core theme of the discussion is the crucial need for self-advocacy in healthcare. Both Seidner and Lewis reflect on their experiences and challenges in voicing their concerns and understanding their bodies during treatment. Seidner illustrates the struggles faced when attempting to articulate her needs to healthcare providers, contrasting her fierceness when advocating for others. This mutual realization highlights a broader issue: the necessity for individuals to speak up for their own health after being diagnosed with cancer.
Different Approaches to Treatment
The episode reveals varying treatment approaches taken by Seidner and Lewis. Seidner opted for immediate surgery and aggressive treatment methods, prioritizing a swift response to her diagnosis, reflecting her problem-solving nature. In contrast, Lewis initially explored alternative methods before ultimately engaging in conventional treatment procedures, demonstrating personal choice in navigating breast cancer management. Their distinct experiences underline the importance of personalized treatment plans in the journey through cancer.
A New Perspective on Life
As the conversation progresses, both women share how their cancer experiences have shifted their outlook on life. Seidner and Lewis emphasize newfound appreciation for joy, with Seidner reflecting on how her diagnosis prompted a reevaluation of her priorities. They discuss the mental and emotional toll of cancer, including moments of silence and reflection amidst treatment. This candid dialogue encourages listeners to embrace life fully and find joy in everyday experiences, acknowledging that health challenges can lead to personal growth and deeper connections.
Sara Sidner is a hard-hitting CNN journalist. Ananda Lewis is a content creator and former 90s MTV host. Both are living with breast cancer. Both are also the best friends of CNN's Stephanie Elam who asked them to sit down and talk – and get real – about their fears, their determination and their newfound joy after this devastating diagnosis. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chasing Life brings you this special conversation between three friends about a journey that is all too familiar for so many.