Emmy Winner Katherine LaNasa Credits Early Breast Cancer Detection for Her Survival

Katherine LaNasa, an Emmy-winning actress known for her role as Nurse Dana on the popular HBO Max series *The Pitt*, recently shared her personal battle with stage 1 breast cancer, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection through routine screenings.

LaNasa, 59, received her diagnosis in February 2023 following a routine mammogram. Despite feeling healthy and looking her best, she was shocked to learn about her condition. “I think that’s the one thing — we can’t just rely on our intuition about our body when it comes to breast cancer. We really have to get that screening, because I would have never thought anything was wrong with me,” she remarked.

Statistics reveal that only half of eligible women undergo regular mammograms, a concerning figure that Dr. Francisco Esteva, chief of hematology and medical oncology at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, attributes to various obstacles women face. He highlights that juggling work, family responsibilities, and financial constraints often deter women from scheduling essential health screenings.

Moreover, Esteva notes that fear—of the potential pain, treatment, or even a diagnosis—can also inhibit women from seeking necessary medical attention. “Some women would genuinely rather not know,” he explained. “That is not irrational. That is a very human response to a very frightening possibility.”

In response to the challenges women face, LaNasa has partnered with the Novartis campaign, *Your Attention, Please*, to share her story and stress the importance of annual mammograms. After her diagnosis, she underwent surgery and approximately three weeks of daily radiation therapy, followed by a challenging recovery period.

“[It] can be scary,” LaNasa shared. “For me, having survived breast cancer, it’s not my most fun day, but the relief you feel knowing you’re okay on the other side of it is so huge.” She noted that with early detection, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is an impressive 99%, reinforcing her belief that “early detection really can save your life.”

Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend that women begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women aged 45 to 54 should get screened annually, while those 55 and older can choose to continue yearly screenings or switch to biennial exams. Dr. Esteva encourages women to discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare providers, which may necessitate earlier or more frequent screenings.

LaNasa’s personal health journey has also influenced her portrayal of Nurse Dana, deepening her understanding of the patient experience and the vital role nurses play in healthcare. She emphasizes the need for self-care and stress management, noting that prioritizing wellness can significantly improve one’s quality of life.

Through her role on *The Pitt*, LaNasa finds fulfillment in raising awareness about health issues, including the importance of early cancer detection. She believes sharing her journey can inspire others, particularly women, to take charge of their health. “Breast cancer will affect about 1 in 8 women, so the chance of getting it is really high. But if you detect it early, your survival rate is also really, really high,” she concluded.

LaNasa’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular screenings and the positive outcomes that can result from early detection.