Samantha Harris has shared an update on her health journey.
The former “Dancing With the Stars” host revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.
Harris took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news with followers, explaining in a video that the cancer she had beat 10 years prior was back.
“I have some health news that I need to share that I never thought that I would be sharing again in my lifetime, but I have a recurrence of breast cancer,” the 50-year-old said. “And I feel so fortunate to have been able to guide, support, and lead so many of you in ‘Your Healthiest Healthy’ community, and I will continue to do so, and I will fight on, and I will be okay.”
Harris added, “I’m so grateful for my family and my close friends, and as I lean on them, I also reach out to lean on you during this time, and I will continue to share more as my treatment plan unravels. I’ll see you soon.”
In a follow-up video, she further detailed her diagnosis.
“Here’s a little about my breast cancer diagnosis,” said Harris. “So I was feeling healthier, more energetic, more vibrant, happier than ever, 10 years after my initial diagnosis. But when I came back from Croatia, I needed to get a biopsy. When I did, we found out that a lump that I had found, that we had been following, was indeed cancer again.”
The podcast host credits her own vigilance with enabling her to catch the cancer early.
“I got scans, and thank goodness all of the scans were clear of metastasis. That was my biggest worry,” Harris said.
She used social media to take her followers along through the process.
“I’m at the pre-op appointment for whatever this second go around of cancer surgery will be,” Harris said from a hospital room before turning the camera to her husband, Michael Hess. “And of course, I’ve got my best supporter right there, as always.”
She added, “Here we go. Cancer round two.”
While in the waiting room for “appointment No. 2” with “surgeon No. 2,” Harris held up her book, “Your Healthiest Healthy,” which was on the table.
“How sweet is this?” she said. “My book, which definitely, I can see is dog-eared here with the thanks to my incredible reconstructive surgeon. And without a great team, it makes it really challenging to go through this journey of breast cancer.”
Harris concluded her video by telling fans, “I will thrive and continue to support you all. Thank you so much for your love and support and you can always check out more on the podcast.”
Many friends, including her “DWTS” family, took to the comment section to share their well wishes and encouragement.
“DWTS” former host Tom Bergeron wrote, “Sending hugs,” while pro dancer Cheryl Burke commented, “I’m sending all of my love and prayers to you, my friend! You got this!”
In 2014, the Emmy-winning TV host underwent a double mastectomy — which led doctors to discover the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes — and later had breast reconstruction surgery.
Since surviving stage 2 breast cancer a decade ago, Harris has dedicated herself to helping women take charge of their health and wellbeing.
“We need to really make sure we’re making an effort for preventative care for ourselves so that we can have that longevity,” Harris told People in 2023. “I can help people understand that we can take even better control of our wellbeing in small, manageable steps that aren’t overwhelming.”
“We’re able to take control of our health more than we realize.”