Minnesota Senator and former Presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar revealed on Thursday that she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer earlier this year.
In February of this year, doctors at Mayo Clinic found small white spots called calcifications during a routine mammogram. After this was discovered, I had a biopsy at Piper Breast Center in Minneapolis, and then learned that I had Stage 1A breast cancer.
The cancer was removed by a lumpectomy, and in May the senator completed a course of radiation treatment.
Follow up visits determined the treatment was successful, and her doctors tell her the chance of recurring cancer is no greater than for the average person.
“I am so fortunate to have caught the cancer at an early enough stage and to not need chemotherapy or other extensive treatments, which unfortunately is not the case for so many others.”
In an interview on Thursday’s Good Morning America, Klobuchar said she is speaking out now to encourage those who have delayed checkups and screenings during the pandemic to not put off health screenings.
According to the American Cancer Society, women between 45 and 54 should have annual mammograms.
Like often happens with anyone dealing with illness, this experience gave me time to reflect on my own life and those I love. It also gave me renewed purpose to my work. I have immense gratitude for my family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Minnesota, and I know that each day is a gift.
You can read Senator Klobuchar’s complete statement here.