'Today's Jill Martin Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Today lifestyle contributor Jill Martin is revealing a disappointing health update she recently received.

On Monday, July 17, the "Jill's Steals & Deals" segment host tearfully divulged to morning show anchors Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, "I have been diagnosed with breast cancer."

"And it feels like someone else is telling this story," the 47-year-old added.

Martin noted that the diagnosis "happened really fast," just one week after testing positive for the BRCA gene. According to Mayo Clinic, "the BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. People who inherit mutations in these genes are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population."

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Additionally, the TV personality shared that she had actually just had a clear and successful mammogram in January, however the doctor suggested a series of genetic tests to determine if she was at a higher risks for certain cancers.

The results of an at-home test then determined three short weeks later that she was BRCA2 and had a 60-90 percent chance of breast cancer, which she, in turn, decided to undergo preventative surgery for. The procedure was meant to reduce the chances of cancer to just one percent, but while planning for the "preventative" measure and after a series of MRI's and other scans, it was revealed that she already had breast cancer.

"When I went in for my scans, to get the preventative surgery, and this was all in a matter of three weeks, they found cancer," she told the hosts, adding, "That test saved my life. Had I not gotten the test, I wouldn't have gotten the scans and we would have been telling a very different story."

She was also joined by her doctor, Elisa Port.

During the conversation, it was further revealed that Martin's maternal grandmother died from breast cancer, and her mother is a breast cancer survivor, but to her surprise, the gene mutation wasn't on her mother's side, but rather, her father's side. This puts him at risk, too, making it equally as important for him to get routine screenings as well.

"I always associated this with something women got," the TV contributor admitted of breast cancer. "And so many people I've spoken to have said 'I didn't know this was something men should be tested for.'"

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Family history is an extremely important factor to be aware of when it comes to early detection. According to Breastcancer.org, "Women with close relatives who've been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. If you've had one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is doubled. If two first-degree relatives have been diagnosed, your risk is 5 times higher than average."

Martin shared that she is scheduled to undergo surgery this week, revealing that the toughest part about this journey so far has been "watching my parents watch me go through this."

Ahead of her upcoming cancer treatments and recovery process, she shared how she is feeling and why she chose to share such a personal story.

"I feel devastated and sad and scared, but I feel empowered and strong," she emotionally expressed, adding, "I have the best doctors and my family and I got this."

The 47-year-old also urged viewers to "please see your doctors and see if genetic testing is appropriate."

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