A local news anchor at an NBC affiliate in Iowa stunned viewers on Wednesday when she tearfully announced live on television that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tears were seen streaming the down face of Calyn Thompson, anchor of “Today in Iowa” on WHO-TV, when she revealed the diagnosis during Wednesday morning’s broadcast, telling her audience that there were days when she “didn’t feel like getting up.”
“Six months ago, I did an interview during breast cancer awareness month reminding you to stay up to date on your mammograms,” Thompson said on the air on Wednesday.
“Little did I know that interview would foreshadow the beginning of my own journey.”
Thompson continued: “Rarely are we the ones the story is about, but I wanted to share something personal with you that’s taking place in my life.”
“This past November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she revealed on Wednesday.
“My medical team is confident it is treatable and curable, and I am completely confident in my medical team.”
Thompson said that she completed six chemotherapy treatments, and that “it feels so good to have that hurdle behind me.”
“It was a shock when I found out I had breast cancer,” Thompson said.
“And it honestly took me several weeks to process it.”
She said she went public in hopes of helping someone in her audience.
“If I can help even one person, it will be worth it.”
Thompson said she got the news of the diagnosis just after she turned 28 years of age.
“I’ve learned cancer doesn’t discriminate; not with age or profession, it can happen to anyone,” she said.
“Don’t put off preventative screenings,” Thompson warned, adding: “And if something doesn’t feel right like it didn’t for me, please go get it checked out by your doctor.”
“Early detection does save lives.”
Thompson said that she is scheduled to undergo surgery later this month and that she would be off for a few weeks to recover and rest.
“But I will be back and better than ever!” she vowed.
On social media, well-wishers posted messages of encouragement for the news anchor.
“Going through the same thing right now! We will get through this,” tweeted Liz Simpson.
Another Twitter user commented: “Thanks for sharing my wife starts radiation and chemo and sometimes we just feel numb.”
Laura Terrell, news anchor for KCCI-TV in Des Moines, tweeted: “Sending you so much love! I can’t imagine how hard it’s been to get up early and do your job while feeling so sick. You are so strong! You got this girl!”