Katie Couric has been supported by some of the biggest names in Hollywood after revealing her cancer diagnosis.
Earlier today, the 65-year-old shared that after a doctor spotted something worrying in a routine mammogram.
Taking to Instagram, the former Today presenter posted a photo of herself in a hospital gown, discussing her condition for the first time.
‘Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States,’ she wrote. ‘On June 21, I became one of them.
‘As we approach #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, I wanted to share my personal story with you all and encourage you to get screened and understand that you may fall into a category of women who needs more than a mammogram.’
Following the news, Katie was instantly showered in love and support by a host of famous friends, with many thanking her for raising important awareness.
Sharon Stone led the way, offering her help and support: ‘Holy freaking Toledo kid I had no idea I’m standing by if you need a thing Xo.’
Julianne Moore replied: ‘Thank you for telling your story. Admire you so much.’
‘Sending loads of love and light to you,’ Rachel Brosnahan penned. ‘Thank you for sharing this.’
Sophia Bush commented: ‘Oh Katie. Sending you so much love.’
‘Love you so much Katie,’ Busy Phillips penned.
Jennifer Grey, Hilaria Baldwin, Kelly Ripa and Leslie Jordan were also among those sharing their affection for the TV titan.
‘Love you,’ Hilaria Baldwin simply said, as Melinda Gates added: ‘Thinking of you.’
Katie has had a history of cancer in her family, with her first husband, Jay Monahan, losing his life to colon cancer in 1998.
Her sister and late mother-in-law also died after being diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
Since then, she used her heartbreak and her huge platform to support preventative testing, going out of her way to urge the public to get checked out.
The journalist went into more detail about her cancer diagnosis in a lengthy essay on her website, explaining that she initially missed a mammogram before booking herself in for one.
The day after her test, she was informed that she had cancer – news that left her reeling.
‘I felt sick and the room started to spin,’ Katie wrote. ‘I was in the middle of an open office, so I walked to a corner and spoke quietly, my mouth unable to keep up with the questions swirling in my head.
‘My mood quickly shifted from disbelief to resignation. Given my family’s history of cancer, why would I be spared? My reaction went from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”’
A doctor told Katie that her tumor was highly treatable and she then decided to have a ‘breast conservation’ operation, followed by radiation and medication.
She went under the knife on July 14 and later began radiation treatment on September 7, undergoing her final session yesterday.
Katie revealed her hopes that this could be a ‘teachable moment’ for her fans, and that her experience could potentially save someone’s life.
‘Please get your annual mammogram,’ she added. ‘I was six months late this time. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had put it off longer.’
