Introduction: Jill Martin, a well-known contributor to the Today show, has recently received a breast cancer diagnosis, just a week after testing positive for the BRCA gene. This gene is associated with a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 47-year-old Martin expresses her shock and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of early detection and sharing her story to potentially save lives. Despite the devastating news, Martin is determined to be proactive and undergo a preventive bilateral mastectomy.
Article: Jill Martin, a familiar face from the Today show, has been struck with a breast cancer diagnosis shortly after discovering she tested positive for the BRCA gene. This news has left Martin in a state of shock, but she also expresses immense gratitude, realizing that her situation could have been far worse. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Martin, 47, shares her journey and the importance of being one’s own advocate in the face of adversity.
Martin’s breast cancer diagnosis came as a surprise since she had a clear mammogram earlier this year in January. However, during her aftercare appointments following fibroid surgery, a doctor suggested she undergo genetic testing. Martin decided to take an at-home genetic test and sent it off, only to receive a call three weeks later confirming that she tested positive for the BRCA gene.
Upon receiving the positive result, Martin swiftly sprang into action, adopting her characteristic producer mindset. She immediately started gathering information, seeking out doctors, and scheduling appointments. Realizing that her summer plans had dramatically shifted, Martin and her husband focused on the fact that they had caught the cancer early, finding solace in that fortunate circumstance.
Unfortunately, just a week later, Martin received more distressing news. It was revealed during a routine preoperative MRI that she had already developed breast cancer. Despite this setback, Martin remained hopeful and found strength in the reassurance from her medical team that her cancer was treatable.
Martin bravely shared her diagnosis with the Today show audience on Monday morning, and she also penned an essay on Today.com to provide further insight into her experience. Effective immediately, she will take a leave of absence to undergo a bilateral mastectomy and begin additional treatment.
Looking ahead, Martin acknowledges the potential need for chemotherapy, which she hopes to avoid. The uncertainty surrounding her surgery’s outcome and the possibility of further treatments pose the greatest fears for her. Nevertheless, Martin takes comfort in the significant progress made in tailoring treatments according to each patient’s needs, ensuring optimal results through precision medicine.
Following her mastectomy, Martin intends to undergo a preventative hysterectomy, scheduled for late October. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing her emotions while finding purpose in her journey. Martin acknowledges that she is allowed to experience a range of emotions simultaneously—sadness, fear, anger, but also gratitude, luck, and proactivity.
Martin recognizes that she has two choices in this challenging situation: to succumb to despair or to utilize her platforms, such as the Today show and PEOPLE, to raise awareness and encourage others to get tested. Her focus remains on the well-being of her family, organizing her affairs, and urging people to prioritize their health through proactive measures.
In conclusion, Jill Martin’s breast cancer diagnosis following her positive BRCA gene test has propelled her into a life-altering journey. Despite the shock and devastation, Martin’s resilience and determination shine through as she shares her story, emphasizing the significance of early detection and proactive measures. By speaking out and urging others to take action, Martin hopes to make a difference and potentially save lives.
