Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

Joan Lunden, the longtime co-host of Good Morning America, returned to the ABC morning show on Tuesday with some difficult news: She is battling breast cancer.

Lunden, 63, who co-hosted GMA from 1980 until 1997, opened up about her diagnosis to current co-host Robin Roberts, who of course has battled cancer herself in recent years.

Lunden's cancer, which she called "the aggressive kind," didn't show up on a mammogram but was discovered during an ultrasound. She is beginning treatments shortly, including chemotherapy.

Lunden said she is optimistic about her prognosis, and urged women everywhere to get their annual checkups.

"Thank you to @robinRoberts and my @gma family for all your support this morning," Lunden wrote on Twitter after her interview.
On her blog, Lunden wrote: "I have decided to talk about my breast cancer because since the moment I took the job at Good Morning America I have lived my life sharing my joys and my disappointments with all of you: my pregnancies, my relationships, my career… I have shared my journey. So it certainly didn’t feel right keeping this part of my journey a secret."

Several high-profile journalists have had cancer scares lately. In addition to Roberts, who has battled breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, GMA news anchor Amy Robach recently completed chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

This is sad, hopefully she beats it!

This part is scary to me because it is not the first time I have read of this happening, and insurance does not always cover the ultra sounds.

"Lunden's cancer, which she called "the aggressive kind," didn't show up on a mammogram but was discovered during an ultrasound. She is beginning treatments shortly, including chemotherapy. "

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

I am 33 and fighting my insurance because they dont want to cover my ultrasound. They found Nodules in my left breast that the mammogram did not. It wound up being biopsied and then markers were put in, but thank god they were benign. My mom had breast cancer at 31 which is why I began testing at 29 years old. I had to fight with them the last 3 years because of my age. I had the Bracca Gene test done and I do not have the gene. Get this...my insurance covered that..

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

Message edited 6/24/2014 3:26:30 PM.

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

Posted by MsSissy

Posted by curley999

didn't show up on a mammogram but was discovered during an ultrasound.

This is was happened to a friend of mine.
Thankfully her insurance covered it.

Scary for those who's insurance won't cover it.

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

How terrible! I hope she beats it!

Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

All women should have ultrasounds. I recall reading that they are more effective than mammomgrams and they are painless. I have ongoing pain issues so I get an ultrasound in addition to the mammo and I definitely feel more confident when I get my results.

Re: Joan Lunden Has Breast Cancer

I feel for her. I know exactly what kind of fight she faces.