No Laughing Matter: Wanda Sykes Had Breast Cancer

Today on Ellen, Wanda Sykes, a normally hysterical comedienne, made a startling serious announcement: She had breast cancer.

According to MSNBC, Sykes went in for a breast reduction in February and was hit with the news:

“I had real big boobs and I just got tired of knocking over stuff. Every time I eat — oh lord,” she said. “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.”

The first option was to take things slowly and see how everything progressed:

“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.”

But because Sykes has a long history of cancer on her mother’s side, she chose the second option: have a bilateral mastectomy, and get rid of everything immediately.

“I had both breasts removed, because now I have zero chance of having breast cancer.”

Even with such a serious topic, Sykes, as always was able to make a joke or two…admitting to the audience that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk about the cancer:

“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.”

Glad to know she’s okay.

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1 Comment

  • God bless you Wanda.We think that was a smart move on your part.We’ve got a history of breast cancer in my family.Already 3 deaths.We will continue to pray for you right along with our family members.

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