Breaking News

Hannah Storm is a pioneer in the world of sports broadcasting. These days, she has a more personal story to share.

HANNAH STORM is an award-winning journalist and a pioneer in the field of sports broadcasting for women. Early in her career, she became the first woman in American television history to headline a network sport series when she hosted NBC’s coverage of Major League Baseball, the NBA on NBC and the Olympic Games. Hannah joined ESPN in 2008 and currently anchors Sports Center, NFL Live and the Annual Rose Parade. Earlier this year, Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recently spoke with Healthy Community about her unexpected health journey and the power of advocacy, resolve and early detection.

How did you learn you had breast cancer?

I had a routine mammogram late last fall. At first, I didn’t hear anything, and I thought, ‘‘Well, I guess everything is OK”, but I decided to be proactive and follow up. That is when I was told I needed an ultrasound because my breast tissue was dense.

I had the ultrasound, and they said, ‘We saw something. It is probably nothing, but we would like to do a biopsy as quickly as possible.’ They took the biopsy, and I got a call right away. I had what is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It means the cancer cells are still contained within the duct. It is early-stage breast cancer.

What was your reaction?

I was really surprised. I don’t have any cancer in my family and no history of breast cancer.

I immediately contacted Chrissie Evert. She’s a tennis legend, a fellow broadcaster and a good friend, and she had been through her own battle with cancer.

Chrissie introduced me to Dr. Elisa Port, the director of the Dubin Breast Cancer Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. Straight away Dr. Port said, ‘You’re not going to die from this. We’re going to get to the bottom of it and we’re going to treat it.’ Right away I told myself, ‘OK. Deep breaths.’

Tell us about your treatment.

Dr. Port laid out a game plan. We did gene testing to check for BRCA mutations, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Fortunately, I don’t carry the mutation. Dr. Port was able to perform a single lumpectomy to remove the cancerous cells. It was during the two weeks between the NFL conference championships and the Super Bowl. Believe it or not, I was back on air for the Super Bowl just a week later.

Fortunately, my medical team determined that radiation would not be necessary for my type of cancer, which was good news. I was prescribed a low dose of tamoxifen, a common hormone therapy for breast cancer patients, which I will take for three years. I will be monitored every few months along the way. So far, so good.

How has this impacted your daily life?

I am trying to be more intentional about my health. I have always been good about exercising, and I’m working with a nutritionist to fine tune my diet. I think I am healthy, but I need to learn more.

This experience also made me want to share my story, which took the attention away from ‘This happened to me’ and shifted it to ‘How can I help others?’

I am certainly more grateful now, especially for the simple things. I am grateful for my job and grateful for my good outcome. I try to be grateful for every moment, a beautiful day, doing a show, being with one of my three daughters. Life isn’t easy, and everybody faces hardship. I think gratitude and service to others are two things that can help put everything in perspective and help you feel better about your situation.

Tell us about the Hannah Storm Foundation.

It was established in 2008. We originally focused on helping children with birthmarks and other vascular anomalies, and we still do. However, now we also raise awareness for breast cancer and advocate for better healthcare access for veterans and disabled women. It’s something close to my heart, and I’m proud to be working to push for better facilities and testing.

What would you say to encourage others?

Like me, a lot of women just get so busy. They have a busy job, a family and all these obligations. The last thing on their mind is a mammogram. I want to say, ‘Please don’t put it off or skip a year. Here is where you guys can help. Make sure your wife or mother or sister or other loved one is getting tested. Put it on the calendar. It’s your responsibility as well.