Former “Bachelorette” star Katie Thurston, who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer, revealed on Monday that her mother has also been diagnosed with the disease.
Thurston shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Life update: my mom has #breastcancer. I flew to Seattle this weekend to be with her at her first appointment.” She emphasized the importance of advocating for proper medical care, adding, “I hate that we have to be our biggest advocate but also, it’s what will save your life.”
In an accompanying photo, Thurston explained that her mother’s initial mammogram results were “negative” and considered “probably benign.” After Thurston encouraged her mother to pursue further imaging, including a breast ultrasound, “suspicious masses” were detected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., with approximately 270,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Although rare, breast cancer can also affect men, accounting for about 1% of U.S. cases. Major risk factors include female sex, age, and genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 receive mammograms every two years. Those with a family history of breast cancer may need earlier or additional screening—a point Thurston highlighted in her message.
Thurston, 35, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer last year and has been undergoing treatment. Speaking to “Good Morning America” in October 2025, she shared that her medication was effectively shrinking her tumor, noting, “When you’re Stage 4, that’s really all you can hope for.” She also urged women to be vigilant about breast health, saying, “The biggest thing is be so familiar with your breasts, and bring it to your doctor if something feels off or looks off.”
In her latest update, Thurston reiterated the importance of self-advocacy. “Dense breasts need more than a mammogram to screen for cancer, and yet somehow my mom had never been referred for further imaging. We are getting more answers today, but I believe our own advocacy allowed us to catch this early,” she wrote.
Thurston’s candid update highlights the critical role of early detection and proactive care, particularly for families with a history of breast cancer.
