Former "Good Morning America" co-host Joan Lunden returned to the show Tuesday morning to share the news she's been diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I knew the minute the doctor walked in the door. I could just tell by her demeanor. But I still, just, the words are almost surreal when you hear, 'You have breast cancer.'" (Via ABC)
Lunden, who is 63, opened up to Robin Roberts – a breast cancer survivor – on the morning show. (Via OWN)
Lunden said her family, including her seven children, is helping her through this difficult time.
People reports Lunden's diagnosis came during her yearly breast cancer screening, but it didn't show up on a mammogram. It was discovered with an ultrasound.
After the interview, Lunden — the longest-serving host in "GMA" history — took to social media to thank her ABC family, viewers included, for its support. (Via Twitter / @JoanLunden, Facebook / Joan Lunden)
She also posted on her blog about the diagnosis, calling her cancer the "aggressive kind," and shared why she decided to make her battle public.
"Since the moment I took the job at Good Morning America I have lived my life sharing my joys and my disappointments with all of you: my pregnancies, my relationships, my career… I have shared my journey. So it certainly didn’t feel right keeping this part of my journey a secret."
Lunden added that her father, a cancer surgeon who died when she was young, would want her to spread the word about how important it is to get screened for all types of cancers.
The New York Daily News reports Lunden's treatment includes a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
Current "Good Morning America" host Amy Robach recently underwent treatment for breast cancer. She was memorably diagnosed after undergoing a routine mammogram on-air for the show.
