Nancy Alvarez reveals early stage breast cancer diagnosis, shares importance of making annual mammogram appointment

ORLANDO, Fla. — Eyewitness News This Morning anchor Nancy Alvarez shared on Friday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“During my annual mammogram a few weeks ago, a very small tumor was found in my right breast,” Alvarez said. “It turned out to be cancer. It’s stage one and there is no indication whatsoever that it has spread. This is curable and it’s manageable because I had my mammogram on schedule.”

READ: Where free or reduced cost mammograms are available in Central Florida

“I have been told multiple times my mammogram saved my life,” she said. “But really, it was all these women who came before me, who motivated me to make that appointment on time every year. So I’m sharing my experience really just to pay it forward.”

Alvarez continued with sharing the importance of scheduling a mammogram.

“I am asking you to act. If you put off getting a mammogram because of the pandemic, or because you’re busy, or because you’re uninsured, please, make that appointment today. There are resources out there to help you.”

READ: Vanessa Echols shares her story about surviving breast cancer

Watch her announcement below:

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Each year in the United States, about 250,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,300 in men, the CDC said.

READ: Angela Jacobs shares her breast cancer battle to explain how genetic testing is changing how doctors diagnose the disease

Here are some warning signs of breast cancer, according to the CDC:

New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Pain in any area of the breast.

To find out where you can get a free mammogram in Florida, click here.

We wanted to show @NAlvarezWFTV our support as she fights breast cancer. We came up with a lot of ideas for T-Shirts to make her laugh.
This was the only one that was 'safe' for TV. pic.twitter.com/0uo4dj4xI6
— Jamie Holmes (@JamieHolmesWFTV) March 5, 2021