Amy Robach Announces She Has Breast Cancer After On-Air Mammogram

Back on October 1st when the “Good Morning America” team celebrated the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month, ABC News correspondent Amy Robach reluctantly agreed to get an on-air mammogram to raise awareness.

The 40-year-old had been putting off getting her first one for a year, but it was ultimately “GMA” anchor Robin Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, who convinced the mom-of-two (step-mom-of-three) to go through with the exam.

“If I got the mammogram on air and it saved one life, then it’s all worth it, she [Roberts] had said," Amy shared. "It never occurred to me that life would be mine."

The former TODAY show correspondent sat down with Robin and the rest of the “GMA” crew on Monday to share the news that she has breast cancer. “I am mentally and physically as prepared as anyone can be in this situation,” she said.

But Amy, who will undergo a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on Thursday, knows the impact that her on-air mammogram and subsequent diagnosis has on viewers.

“For every person who has cancer, at least 15 lives are saved because people around them become vigilant. They go to their doctors, they get checked,” she wrote in a post for ABC News. “I can only hope my story will do the same and inspire every woman who hears it to get a mammogram, to take a self exam. No excuses. It is the difference between life and death.”

Former TODAY show anchor Meredith Vieira tweeted her thoughts and prayers for the journalist, as did fellow television anchors.

Just learned wonderful Amy Robach has breast cancer and will undergo double mastectomy. My thoughts and prayers with her and her family

— Meredith Vieira (@meredithvieira) November 11, 2013

Thinking about my friend @arobach …who just announced she's battling breast cancer. Will undergo double mastectomy. We love you, Amy!

— Jeff Rossen (@jeffrossen) November 11, 2013

So sorry to hear news about @arobach. Wishing her & her family all the very best. @brianstelter story: http://t.co/IYiwgaz1eJ

— Kate Snow (@tvkatesnow) November 11, 2013