Today crew past and present including Jenna Wolfe, Al Roker, SAvannah Guthrie © NBC NewsWire,Getty IMages

Former Today anchor Jenna Wolfe undergoes mastectomy after testing positive for breast cancer gene

Jenna was an NBC anchor for years and has just undergone her second procedure after learning she was carrying the BRCA gene

US Deputy Editor
April 13, 2023

Jenna Wolfe has bravely undergone a mastectomy after testing positive for the BCRA1 gene and shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday.

 The former Today host, 49, posted a photo of herself in a hospital bed and added an emotional message detailing what she had been through. 

"Mastectomy behind me," she wrote. "All that’s left now is recovery and healing… The most important part. The hardest part."

WATCH: Katie Couric's battle with breast cancer explained

She continued: "I FaceTimed with my kids tonight and the little [one] said to me, “you always say we can do hard things, mama. Now we’re telling you the same thing. You got this. We love you.” #brca1."

Fans rushed to comment and wrote: "You’re an absolute warrior. Sending you so much love & healing," and a second said: "God bless you girl! I was right there 4 years ago and I’m a thriving personal trainer!!! You’ve got this," while a third added: "Listen to those very smart girls-focus on recovery."

RELATED: Angelina Jolie reveals she had a double mastectomy 

MORE: Amy Robach reveals who 'saved her life' amid breast cancer battle

This procedure was Jenna's second treatment after having had a hysterectomy in March.

© Chance Yeh

On her stories, she also thanked her mom and paid tribute to her for only just beating stage 3 breast cancer herself. She said she was sleeping on the couch next to her while she was in the hospital.

MORE: Jenna Bush Hager stops Today live on-air over appearance issue that baffles Hoda Kotb

MORE: Jenna Bush Hager inundated with support on Today as her time on the show is reflected upon

Jenna - who was a correspondent for Today - revealed she was undergoing a mastectomy after learning she carried the gene in February. 

"About a month ago, I tested positive for the BRCA-1 breast cancer gene (meaning my chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer are… well… really high), leaving me little wiggle room to 'mull over my choices,'" she shared. 

"So without a ton of options, I stared down my fears, took a deep breath, and opted for two pretty big surgeries.""My hysterectomy is the first. It's not fun, not easy, not at all pleasant (I'm terrified of needles) but it's something I need to do," Jenna said.

 "The second surgery, the bigger one, will be in 2 weeks. Happy to share more with anyone going through something similar."

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