Share This Important Message by Sara Sidner diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer

CNN anchor Sara Sidner made the difficult announcement on air Monday that she has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

The 51-year-old journalist shared the news at the end of her morning show, CNN News Central, which she co-anchors. She told viewers she is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will also need radiation and a double mastectomy as part of her treatment plan.

Sidner admitted this has been extremely hard for her to process, as she has always been very healthy. "I have never been sick a day of my life. I don't smoke, I rarely drink. Breast cancer does not run in my family," she said. "And yet here I am with stage 3 breast cancer. It is hard to say out loud."

Stage 3 means the cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor to nearby lymph nodes or other surrounding tissue. But Sidner said her doctors have assured her that stage 3 breast cancer is very treatable now for most women.

Still, the diagnosis came as a huge shock, since Sidner did not have any family history or known risk factors. She told viewers this frightening statistic she learned during her diagnosis process: Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.

"So to all my sisters, Black and White and Brown out there, please for the love of God get your mammograms every single year," she urged. "Do your self exams. Try to catch it before I did."

Sidner first noticed a lump in her breast last fall but initially brushed it off as she was busy covering the war in Israel and Gaza. When she returned home, a mammogram flagged the lump for further testing. A biopsy confirmed it was breast cancer.

The veteran journalist has covered major news events around the world for over 25 years, for networks including CNN, ABC, and NPR. She had just attended CNN's Heroes gala in NYC in December. Now her perspective has forever changed.

"I have thanked cancer for choosing me," Sidner said, choking back tears. "I'm learning that no matter what hell we go through in life, that I am still madly in love with this life, and just being alive feels really different for me now."

She went on to explain how her diagnosis has made her stop sweating the small stuff and realize the beauty in each day she has. "I am happier because I don't stress about foolish little things that used to annoy me. And now every single day that I breathe another breath, I can celebrate that I am still here with you, I am here with my co-anchors, my colleagues, my family and I can love and cry and laugh and hope. And that, my dear friends, is enough."

Sidner ended her announcement by vowing to fight the cancer with all her might. She said the outpouring of support since sharing her diagnosis publicly has meant the world. In typical journalist fashion, she also wants to use her platform to educate and inspire other women to prioritize breast cancer screening.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. Regular screenings and awareness can help detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes. Sidner said she's proof that breast cancer can strike any woman - even those considered low risk. Her brave decision to share her personal health battle will likely encourage countless women to take action for their breast health.