Joan Lunden, who is a former host of ABC morning show Good Morning America, shared the news of her breast cancer diagnosis on Tuesday’s show.
Lunden cohosted Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997 as reported by ABC News. Inspired by her father, who was a cancer surgeon, Lunden has been a health advocate since, and chose to share her diagnosis in order to inspire and reach other women who might be going through the same thing.
While Lunden’s original yearly mammogram came up clear, in a routine ultrasound done later cancer was discovered. In order to treat the cancer, she will have to go through radiation and surgery, and has already begun chemotherapy to fight the cancer according to ABC News.
In a statement Lunden said, as reported by Entertainment Tonight, that, "I have covered many stories about breast cancer over the years but I never actually thought this would happen to me. I have shaped my career around health & wellness advocacy so it seemed natural to share my story. I've started chemotherapy and while I don't know how I’ll look and feel down the road, I am assuming the best because that is how I live my life.”
She revealed the news to Robin Roberts, who is a breast cancer survivor.
Check out this video of the reveal from ABC News: