“Today” show correspondent Jill Martin is confronting new health challenges stemming from her battle with breast cancer.
The 49-year-old journalist revealed on Friday that she must undergo emergency surgery due to complications from her previous treatment.
“Just when you think the fight is over, life reminds you that healing isn’t always linear,” Martin told “Today.”
She clarified that the procedure is preventative and urgent in nature. “It’s preventative and proactive — an emergency only in the sense that if we don’t act now, it could turn into something much bigger,” Martin explained. “It’s important to say this clearly: my cancer is not back.”
Dr. Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, who treated Martin, said the journalist’s treatment led to a breakdown in her skin.
“When a person has a mastectomy, obviously the goal is to remove all the breast cancer,” Port explained. “But there’s another goal, especially in a BRCA mutation carrier like Jill, to remove all breast tissue. When you do that, the skin left behind can be very thin. It’s just a lot for the skin to tolerate.”
Port added that without immediate surgery, Martin could face a sudden opening of the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
Martin is expected to remain in the hospital for at least three nights, followed by several weeks of recovery at home.
“I feel worn out and grateful all at once,” Martin shared. “Sometimes it feels like it never really ends. And still — I’m grateful. Grateful for early action, for great doctors, and for the chance to keep moving forward.”
Martin publicly announced her breast cancer diagnosis in July 2023 on “Today,” revealing she would undergo a double mastectomy. Her treatment included the removal of 16 lymph nodes, four months of chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery, three weeks of radiation, and a preventative removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
In October 2024, she told Us Weekly, “I’ve spent the last year just trying to save my life. And now, I’m dealing with the mental trauma of it all.”
Reflecting on her journey, Martin added, “And I think a lot of survivors will tell you, it’s never over. It’s not like, ‘When are you done?’ or ‘Is it over?’ It’s never over. This is a fight I will fight my entire life. I think about chemotherapy every single day.”
Beyond her personal battle, Martin is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer and encouraging regular testing. She described it as her “mission in life” to educate and inspire others.
