Actor Katherine LaNasa, known for her role in 'The Pitt,' is sharing her experience with stage 1 breast cancer to encourage women to prioritize regular screenings.
Key facts
- •Katherine LaNasa was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at age 59 in February 2023.
- •Treatment involved surgery and approximately three weeks of daily radiation.
- •Dr. Francisco Esteva states that breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women.
- •LaNasa previously had a biopsy in her 30s after a doctor found a suspicious area, leading her to begin annual mammograms in her 40s.
- •Medical experts recommend discussing personal and family history with a doctor to determine if screening should begin before age 40.
Katherine LaNasa, an Emmy-winning actor who plays Nurse Dana on the series The Pitt, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in February 2023 at age 59. The cancer was detected during a routine mammogram, leading her to undergo surgery and approximately three weeks of daily radiation. LaNasa is now cancer-free and is using her platform to advocate for early detection and regular health screenings.
By the numbers
The Importance of Early Detection
LaNasa emphasized that she felt healthy prior to her diagnosis, noting that women should not rely solely on intuition regarding their physical health. Following her treatment, which included six months of recovery from complications, she has focused on prioritizing wellness and stress management. She credits her survival to early detection and has encouraged others to seek screenings, noting that she successfully urged a friend to get tested, which led to the discovery and treatment of a large mass.
Barriers to Screening
Dr. Francisco Esteva, chief of hematology and medical oncology at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, noted that many women face significant obstacles to getting screened, including financial costs, lack of time due to work or caregiving responsibilities, and fear of the process. He emphasized that avoiding screenings is often a human response to fear rather than negligence. Dr. Esteva advises women to have honest conversations with their doctors about their personal risk factors and family history to determine appropriate screening schedules.
Timeline
- In her 30sLaNasa had a biopsy after a doctor found a suspicious area during a check-in.
- In her 40sLaNasa began undergoing annual mammograms.
- February 2023LaNasa was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at age 59.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
