Country singer Jillian Cardarelli shares update after breast cancer surgery
Jillian Cardarelli attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT)
Country music singer Jillian Cardarelli is opening up about her recent cancer diagnosis.
What they're saying:
"The first big step is behind me," the 33-year-old recently posted on her Instagram page. "Now it’s time to heal while we wait for the next step in my treatment plan."
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"Thank you to the incredible team at Dana-Farber for your kindness, compassion, and support throughout such a challenging and stressful process. I’m truly so grateful to be in your care. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, checked in, and lifted me up. One day at a time."
The backstory:
Last month, Cardarelli revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cardarelli says her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis shows that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or risk factors.
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She encourages women to know their bodies, trust their instincts, advocate for their health, and never ignore warning signs.
She also credits her faith, loved ones, and medical team for helping her through the journey, reminding others that they are the best advocates for their own health.
Big picture view:
More than 320,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Death rates have been dropping for decades, thanks largely to better treatments. But it is still the second-most common cause of cancer death in U.S. women -- and diagnoses are inching up.
Treatment varies depending on how early the cancer is caught but usually involves either removing the tumor, followed by radiation, or removing the breast, what’s called a mastectomy. The cancer’s stage, subtype and genetic makeup can help determine if additional treatment of the original tumor is needed, or certain therapy to help prevent recurrence.
The Source: The information in this story comes primarily from Jillian Cardarelli's recent Instagram posts. This story was reported from Los Angeles.