Wanda Sykes Reveals Breast Cancer, Double Mastectomy

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, some public figures are speaking out in an effort to help bring attention to the disease. For comedienne Wanda Sykes, it's also a time to reflect back on her own bout with breast cancer, which resulted in her having a double mastectomy.

The Emmy Award-winner revealed the news during an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show scheduled to air on Monday. Sykes told DeGeneres that the discovery came after a recent breast reduction surgery. "I had breast cancer. Yeah, I know it's scary,” she said. "This was in February. I went for the reduction. I had real big boobs and I just got tired of knocking over stuff. Every time I eat ... Oh lord. I'd carry a Tide stick everywhere I go. My back was sore so it was time to have a reduction."

"It wasn't until after the reduction that in the lab work, the pathology, that they found that I had DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ] in my left breast. I was very, very lucky because DCIS is basically stage-zero cancer. So I was very lucky."

After getting the news, Sykes' decided to have an bilateral mastectomy, due to her hectic schedule:

I had the choice of, you can go back every three months and get it checked. Have a mammogram, MRI every three months just to see what it's doing. But I'm not good at keeping on top of stuff. I'm sure I’m overdue for an oil change and a teeth cleaning already ... To have a bilateral mastectomy, I had both breasts removed ... because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer.

It sounds scary up front, but what do you want? Do you want to wait and not be as fortunate when it comes back and it's too late?

Sykes said discussing her health issues in public was something she weighed carefully. But she made light of the situation to DeGeneres. "I was like, 'I don't know, should I talk about it or what?' How many things could I have? I'm black, then lesbian. I can't be the poster child for everything ... At least with the LGBT issues we get a parade, we get a float, it's a party. [But] I was real hesitant about doing this, because I hate walking. I got a lot of [cancer] walks coming up."

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Started Out: Making an appearance on the national talent show 'Star Search,' which ultimately led to a gig on 'What's Happening Now!'
Big Break: Hosting the groundbreaking comedy series 'Def Comedy Jam.'
Factoid: In 1989, Lawrence was engaged to 'Saved by the Bell' actress Lark Voorhies.

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Started Out: Making an appearance on the national talent show 'Star Search,' which ultimately led to a gig on 'What's Happening Now!'

Big Break: Hosting the groundbreaking comedy series 'Def Comedy Jam.'

Factoid: In 1989, Lawrence was engaged to 'Saved by the Bell' actress Lark Voorhies.

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Comments

[bubbepenny]

06:11 PM on 10/13/2011

wanda is a very brave woman. i salute you!

[luvmy5bratzs]

09:49 AM on 10/11/2011

So sorry to hear this Wanda my thoughts and prayers go out to you .
I loved watching your shows on TV.
Hugs

[blackreign]

12:13 AM on 09/30/2011

Gee, yeah, Wanda is the only woman in the world to have breast cancer.......

[bubbepenny]

06:12 PM on 10/13/2011

dumass

[jmoser1973]

02:30 AM on 09/26/2011

It is real nice to see so many positive comments here. I think this is the most I seen on a post. That shows what a honest caring person she seems to be. Hope you stay well Wanda.

[jclew]

11:04 PM on 09/25/2011

Wanda is a strong woman. I hope all the best for her.

[Baneblade]

10:57 PM on 09/25/2011

I'm glad she'll be ok, she's a very funny lady.

[Dewts]

08:48 PM on 09/25/2011

that has to be a very very tough decision.


or a really easy one.

[OpoopDeDo]

08:30 PM on 09/25/2011

Well, she didnt need them anyway.... Sigh! No pun intended, blessings to her anyway, don't like her, she is NOT funny, but she was a child of God. Wish her the best still....

[ibwilliamsi]

09:48 PM on 09/25/2011

Why say "was"?

[jmoser1973]

02:25 AM on 09/26/2011

I think she is hilarious. Not as funny in scripted parts but her own humor is real good.

[grovestand12]

08:08 PM on 09/25/2011

be well, Wanda.

[susbotts]

04:59 PM on 09/25/2011

Stay positive, Wanda. With your sense of humor you'll breeze through chemo and make new friends at the same time. So much cancer today. I wish we knew why.

[Left of Right]

03:23 PM on 09/25/2011

Earlier today, well before I saw this article, I saw the HP headline about Hermain Cain. "PIZZA MAN," in big, bold letters!

First thing that went through my mind was Wanda's voice saying "PIZZA MAN," like her "DRINK MAN" sketch. (You've gotta watch out for the Drink Man!)

Anyone remember her doing that sketch? Too funny!

Just 1 of the little ways she is in my head!

[Left of Right]

03:18 PM on 09/25/2011

Thank God she went in for a breast reduction, otherwise this cancer may have sneaked up on her. This world would be a terrible place without her in it! She is the sunshine!

Wanda, you take care with your check-ups, girl, we need you way, way, way, too much!

[PorrickSF]

02:08 PM on 09/25/2011

She continues to be one of the celebrities that I admire most. Not just because she is funny, but because she is honest, unafraid, and unapologetic about who and what she is.

[Mountaingrl]

04:33 PM on 09/25/2011

All true and just what I was thinking. She's one of the funniest comedians out there.

[relentless63]

01:40 PM on 09/25/2011

Wonderful Wanda, you bring me such joy. I wish you good health and much love.

[Republican No More]

12:08 PM on 09/25/2011

For coming out and speaking about it, you should get a parade!! Ladies, we would rather have you than not have you... It is important for women to feel it is ok to take the step if necessary.. My wife has talked about it...her grandmother was a breast cancer survivor and her mother died from it 2 years ago... she cries about it and doesn't know what to do... I assure her what ever she decides we will all be with her... still fighting with insurance to increase her screenings... they don't care... we use Planned Parenthood once a year to supplement the annual screenings that they will approve from the doctor... the doctor said double mastectomy would be a rash measure... an oncologist told her it would be a good idea... If it becomes necessary or her choice at least she will be a little more comfortable with every celebrity that is willing to speak up... Thank you Wanda... your quite a woman... this will likely save lives...