Christiane Amanpour announcing her cancer ‘as shout-out to early diagnosis’
After four weeks off air, Christiane Amanpour, the world acclaimed journalist and currently host of CNN’s flagship global affairs program, announced that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Noting the “millions” of people around the world with ovarian cancer, Christiane Amanpour urged women to educate themselves on the disease, get regular screenings and “ensure that your legitimate medical concerns are not dismissed or diminished”.
It is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, and the eighth most common cause of cancer death in women across the globe. An early diagnosis for ovarian cancer is often difficult as the symptoms – like a bloated, swollen or painful stomach – are easily mistaken for less serious health problems.
Christiane Amanpour said she was “confident” in her prognosis, adding that she was fortunate to have health insurance in her treatment, “underpinned by the brilliant NHS”.
According to CNN, she faces months of chemotherapy treatments and she also has three weeks of previously scheduled time off.
CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker praised Ms Amanpour’s candor and bravery.
“As a cancer survivor, I too encourage people to listen to their bodies and get all early cancer screenings available to them,” he said in a statement provided to NBC News. “From our CNN family, we wish Christiane the very best for a full and speedy recovery.”
Some personal news from me: pic.twitter.com/D5noRnfXfA
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) June 14, 2021
