Celebrated journalist and longtime CNN anchor, Christian Amanpour has undergone a surgical procedure to treat Ovarian Cancer.
Amanpour, who is currently CNN’s chief international anchor, shared the news on the air on Monday.
She had previously been off the air for four weeks due to the diagnosis. “During that time, like millions of women around the world, I’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“I’ve had successful major surgery to remove it, and I’m now undergoing several months of chemotherapy for the very best possible long-term prognosis, and I’m confident.” Amanpour said.
She continued: “I’m also fortunate to have health insurance through work, and incredible doctors who are treating me in a country underpinned by, of course, the brilliant NHS.”
Amanpour, a British-Iranian journalist said she wanted to make the news public “in the interest of transparency”, and “mostly as a shout-out to early diagnoses, to urge women to educate themselves on this disease, to get all the regular screenings and scans that you can, to always listen to your bodies, and of course to ensure that your legitimate medical concerns are not dismissed or diminished”.
Amanpour also said she was fortunate to have health insurance through her employer and “incredible doctors” treating her “in a country underpinned by, of course, the brilliant NHS”
Her announcement has been met with a wave of support and well wishes as several journalism personalities have continued to post messages in response to a video of Amanpour’s message.
Reacting through a statement, CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker lauded Amanpour “for her candor, bravery and always working towards the greater good,”
“As a cancer survivor, I too encourage people to listen to their bodies and get all early cancer screenings available to them.
“From our CNN family, we wish Christiane the very best for a full and speedy recovery.” Zucker said.
“Sending you the absolute best. You sound wonderful, but if you have low moments, I hope you can feel the support from afar,” journalist Jodi Kantor wrote.
Novelist and activist Elif Shafak wrote: “This is so brave and powerful, women all around the world hear you, rooting for you and wishing a fast and full recovery.”
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage. It is the eighth-most commonly occurring cancer in women and the 18th-most commonly occurring cancer overall.
More than 313,000 new cases were reported in 2020, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.
The New Diplomat‘s checks reveal that Amanpour is known primarily for her coverage of international conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War, the genocide in Rwanda and the Bosnian War. The combined experience made her one of the most prominent war correspondents of her generation.
According to the Washington Post, “her reporting has been recognized with a number of awards, including 11 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, four Peabody Awards, three duPont-Columbia Awards and two George Polk Awards.”
