ESPN's Shelley Smith Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis: "Early Detection Will Save My Life"

"My tough cancer treatment will begin in January. Until then, I spread the praise of mammograms and ultrasounds," tweets journalist

By Rebecca Macatee Oct 01, 2014 7:27 PMTags
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On Wednesday, Oct. 1—the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month—ESPN reporter Shelley Smith took to Twitter to tell fans about her own diagnosis.

"I now join the one in eight women who are battling breast cancer. Early detection will save my life. Tell loved ones," wrote the veteran sports journalist, who has been with ESPN since 1997 "My tough cancer treatment will begin in January. Until then, I spread the praise of mammograms and ultrasound. Early detection."

"And remember, the warning signs are not just lumps," added the Emmy winner, who has also authored several books. "Check for irregular shape, skin condition and pain. And follow up."

Smith acknowledged her "cancer warrior sisters," thanking them "and so many others who are inspiring me."

"I am strong and positive as I fight this, just like so many of my breast cancer warrior sisters," she tweeted "We're Gonna Win!"

"And don't be afraid," she urged others. "Science is doing remarkable things."

The ESPN regular recently spoke with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts about her own breast cancer battle. "Fight. Fight, fight fight. Don't worry about anything else...You have permission to be selfish," Roberts advised her. "The message here [is] know your body. Don't be afraid! It's better to know that not to know."

"When fear knocks, let faith answer the door," Roberts said. "Reason will only take you so far, faith is boundless and endless."