“Today” show contributor Jill Martin is officially free of breast cancer, but like other survivors she remains anxious about the possibility of the illness returning.
“I think a lot of survivors will tell you, ‘It’s never over,’” Martin told Us Weekly. “It’s not like, ‘When are you done?’ or ‘Is it over?’ It’s never over. This is a fight I will fight my entire life. I think about chemotherapy every single day.”
Martin first shared her diagnosis on the NBC morning show in July 2023.
In addition to undergoing chemotherapy, Martin announced that she had a double mastectomy.
“I’m so grateful to be cancer-free, but on the other hand, I just came out of a year of fog and people look at me and they think I look like myself,” Martin said. “To me, I look totally different and my body’s totally different.”
Throughout the treatment, Martin maintained a positive outlook despite announcing in August 2023 that she was divorcing her husband of two years, Erik Brooks.
“Post-cancer treatment, many women experience fear of recurrence, depression, body image issues, and social and relationship challenges,” registered nurse Rachel Fidino told The Epoch Times. “I find it inspiring to see her actively advocating for her herself and raising awareness about her condition.”
Fidino founded the New U Women’s Clinic and Aesthetics in Kennewick, Washington.
Martin further noted that she is dealing with the mental trauma of having spent the last year trying to save her own life.
That mental trauma can include PTSD and other types of anxiety, according to Dr. Anne Peled, a breast cancer surgeon and breast cancer survivor.
“Each year that goes by without the cancer coming back and being farther from the trauma of the diagnosis and treatment makes it easier to cope and feel more secure,” Peled told The Epoch Times. “With the comprehensive treatment that Jill went through, the chance of it returning is fortunately very low for her.”
Peled is co-director of the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence at Sutter Health in California and a board member of The Breasties.
Martin signaled the completion of her treatment in an Instagram post last year with a video in which hospital staff cheered her on and she burst into tears.
Martin wants people to get tested early.
“I got it because I did not get genetic testing in time ... It’s not just a history of breast cancer,” she said. “Ask your doctor about genetic testing. I know people are nervous and they say, ‘I don’t want to know.’ Trust me. The alternative is worse. I do not want one more person to go through [it].”
To raise awareness, Martin launched a clothing line, which includes dresses, blankets, hoodies, and a pink sherpa jacket. Proceeds are slated to be donated to the Basser Center for BRCA.
“If you know your risk, you can make preventive decisions the way I did,” Melanie DiSalvo, who also survived breast cancer, told The Epoch Times. “I had prophylactic surgery.”
DiSalvo is the creator of nu:titty, a post-surgical line of mastectomy brassieres.
Actress Angelina Jolie also had prophylactic surgery in 2013 which involved a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer after learning she had inherited the genetic mutation.
- “Having the knowledge earlier could have prevented Jill from getting breast cancer,” four-time cancer survivor Vera Ventura told The Epoch Times. “However, to avoid losing body parts, she could have also dramatically altered her nutrition and lifestyle to combat genetic cancer. The first step would be to eliminate all processed flour, sugar, red meat, and alcohol.”
“Jill’s new clothing line shows her dedication to helping women, especially those diagnosed with the BRCA gene,” Ventura added. “She’s turned her fame and notoriety into purpose. I commend her for that.”
Martin did not respond to requests for comment.
