‘Today’ show star Jill Martin, 47, diagnosed with breast cancer: ‘I’m devastated’

“Today” show correspondent Jill Martin has been diagnosed with breast cancer — less than a week after testing positive for the BRCA gene.

Upon receiving her genetic test results, Martin immediately decided to undergo a double mastectomy; however, a preoperative MRI revealed she already had developed cancer.

“I am in shock, but at the same time I’m so grateful because it could be a very different story that we’re talking about,” Martin, 47, told People magazine in an interview released Monday.

“Of course I’m devastated. You hear the C-word and you think the worst. But after you hear the word and you absorb it, you then have to be your own best friend.”

6

The “Steals and Deals” segment host said that the news, which she received on June 26, came as an extra shock as she had a clear mammogram as recently as January.

“I went in and I remember she said it’s cancer and I remember saying, ‘Is it treatable?’ And she said, ‘Yes, yes, you’re going to be OK,'” Martin recalled to the publication.

“I’m not telling you I don’t break down and cry at some points, but I still felt—still feel lucky.”

In an essay for Today.com, Martin admitted she’s “devastated” but feeling “empowered” over taking control of her health. She also shared that she will undergo her double mastectomy this week and eventually go for reconstructive surgery.

In a few months, Martin will also have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

“Honestly, I am doing OK. I have a loving husband, amazing family and friends and an incredible support system,” she wrote.

6

“I have my head on straight and know exactly what needs to be done. Am I scared? Of course. Who wouldn’t be? But I know cancer has nothing on me.”

For more Page Six you love…

• Listen to our weekly “We Hear” podcast
• Shop our exclusive merch

Martin is taking a leave of absence effective immediately to have her bilateral mastectomy and receive additional treatment.

6

“I guess I’m allowed to be all different things at the same time, they’re not exclusive of each other,” Martin told People.

“I’m allowed to be sad and scared and mad and angry and also grateful and lucky and proactive. You’re allowed to be all those things together.”

The underwent a double mastectomy and hysterectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene.

6

Following the surgery, the fitness guru revealed she suffered “brutal” complications.

“I was in excruciating pain, doubled over for 10 days,” Wolfe shared. “I’ve had really bad complications with both surgeries. So there was no correlation between the shape that I was in and how the surgeries went.”

Months later, Wolfe said she’s finally feeling “good.”