Sports Anchor Hannah Storm Opens Up About Breast Cancer Diagnosis Revealed During Routine Check-Up

ESPN Reporter Hannah Storm Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis After Routine Mammogram 243

Hannah Storm. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Hannah Storm is sharing her experience with being diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. In November 2023, after getting a routine mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, doctors informed the ESPN reporter that she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the earliest form of breast cancer.

"I was surprised," Storm, 61, shared on the episode of Good Morning America on Tuesday, March 19. She expressed her shock at being diagnosed with breast cancer despite not having any known risk factors, family history, lumps, pain, or genetic predisposition. She emphasized that many women diagnosed with breast cancer also lack traditional risk factors, leading to feelings of shock and fear.

The American Cancer Society reports that approximately one in five new breast cancers will be ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Fortunately, nearly all women with this early stage of breast cancer can be successfully treated and cured.

Storm's cancer was still in the early stages, so she underwent a lumpectomy, a surgery to remove the cancer or abnormal tissue from her breast.

After the successful surgery, which only required a week off from work, Storm was back on the field. She was relieved to find out that she wouldn't need radiology treatment.

"I had the opportunity to return to work and cover the Super Bowl, which was truly a blessing," she shared with Robin Roberts. "I am currently on a medication called tamoxifen that blocks estrogen and progesterone, which my cells rely on. I will be taking this medication for the next three years."

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Hannah Storm, who is married to Dan Hicks and has three daughters, revealed that she had kept her diagnosis of a medical condition private for a few months. However, she has now decided to share her story in order to provide hope and support to other women facing similar situations.

She shared her thoughts on the importance of daughters understanding and advocating for their health. She emphasized the significance of getting yearly mammograms to detect breast cancer early, as it is highly treatable in its earliest stages.

Storm is also raising awareness about the importance of women taking advantage of available resources for their health. Her commitment to annual mammogram appointments may have been a lifesaving decision.

“You can find out and you need to find out,” Storm added. “Don’t be afraid to have a mammogram. Be afraid not to. Be afraid of what you don’t know.”

Editor's P/S:

Hannah Storm's candid account of her breast cancer diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder that this disease can affect anyone, regardless of perceived risk factors. Her story highlights the importance of regular mammograms, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. While Storm's diagnosis was a shock, her access to timely medical care and support enabled her to undergo successful surgery and return to work within a week.

Storm's advocacy for women's health is commendable. By sharing her experience, she encourages others to prioritize their well-being and seek professional advice when necessary. Her emphasis on the role of daughters in advocating for their health is particularly poignant, as it underscores the importance of intergenerational support and awareness. Storm's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sharing one's story and the crucial role of education and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.