Amy Robach Shares Her Perspective on Monitoring Breast Cancer Recurrence

Amy Robach Explains Why She Would ‘Rather Not Know’ Whether Her Breast Cancer Has Returned

Amy Robach Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

Amy Robach shared on the "Amy and T.J." podcast why she has been delaying her checkups. She revealed that, at 51 years old, she has been avoiding getting her blood work done out of fear of the possibility of her cancer returning.

When Robach went in for blood work, she shared with her boyfriend T.J. Holmes that it can be a very emotional experience. This is because the doctors are looking for tumor markers, which indicate the presence of cancer. If the cancer were to return in undesirable locations such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain, a blood test would show these tumor markers.

Robach mentioned that her most recent blood work was done in August 2022.

"That means you would be dealing with a cancer that is terminal, but can be treated," she explained. "The fear of facing that reality can lead to a mindset of not wanting to know the truth."

Even though she had an appointment scheduled for early 2023, Robach chose not to go. "With everything we were going through, it was the least of my priorities," she admitted, reflecting on the cheating scandal involving her and Holmes.

Amy Robach Explains Why She Would ‘Rather Not Know’ Whether Her Breast Cancer Has Returned

Amy Robach was a speaker at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon on October 27, 2022 in New York City.

During a discussion with oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Comen at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Robach shared her fears. She admitted that she often felt like it wouldn't make a difference anyway. Robach explained that sometimes she found herself avoiding going to the doctor or returning to the cancer center because it was uncomfortable and scary.

Robach received her breast cancer diagnosis after undergoing a live mammogram on Good Morning America. Following the diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy before completing her final round of treatment in 2014.

Reflecting on her experience, Robach shared, "It's interesting because I've always emphasized to other women the importance of getting mammograms. Many women avoid screenings because they fear the unknown. They are afraid of finding a mass or being told they have cancer because it's a scary and challenging journey."

Robach shared that she is still working through the mindset of "ignorance is bliss." She mentioned, "As irrational as it may seem, it has become a human tendency that I am now experiencing because I have been avoiding it. When you keep postponing things, you start feeling comfortable not having to deal with certain tasks like making a phone call or getting a blood test. It feels like everything is normal, like I never had cancer, and that's the feeling I want to hold on to."

In the same episode, Holmes, who is 46 years old, provided his perspective as Robach's partner.

"I've had experience with breast cancer in my life. I know people who have had it, and I am currently in a relationship with a breast cancer survivor. But I have always been bothered and scared by the thought of it," he shared with Robach. "I worry that the woman I care about isn't doing everything possible to ensure we have as much time together as we can."

Editor's P/S:

Amy Robach's story highlights the complex and often conflicting emotions that cancer survivors face. Despite being a vocal advocate for breast cancer screenings, Robach has struggled to prioritize her own checkups due to fear of the unknown. Her reluctance to face the possibility of her cancer returning is a reminder of the psychological toll that cancer can take, even after treatment is completed.

Robach's experience also sheds light on the importance of ongoing support for cancer survivors. Her boyfriend, T.J. Holmes, has played a crucial role in encouraging her to confront her fears and prioritize her health. The couple's open discussion about Robach's avoidance demonstrates the need for partners and loved ones to be understanding and supportive as survivors navigate the challenges of living beyond cancer.