TODAY show host Jill Martin announced she will undergo emergency surgery to repair radiation damage from her 2023 breast cancer treatment

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Jill Martin revealed she has to get emergency surgery (Image: NBC)

Jill Martin has revealed she is facing emergency surgery following her breast cancer treatment.

The TODAY show host received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, subsequently undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction. On Friday, January 9, Jill disclosed that she needs surgery to address skin damage caused by radiation therapy she received during her cancer treatment.

She was quick to emphasize to her colleagues and viewers that her cancer “is not back.”

 

The host stated, “Just when you think the fight is over, life reminds you that healing isn’t always linear. Jill added, “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. It’s important to say this clearly: my cancer is not back.”

Jill has endured numerous medical interventions, including chemotherapy, a standard treatment approach for breast cancer, reports the Irish Star.

An individual with blonde hair, seated on a white couch, is draped in a pink shawl and wearing a pink shirt. The background feat

She took a moment to thank fans (Image: NBC)

Dr. Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System and one of Jill’s physicians, appeared on the show and outlined how medical professionals are implementing this precautionary step to avoid a wound opening, which could escalate into an emergency situation and potentially trigger an infection.

Jill is expected to remain hospitalized for a minimum of three nights, followed by several weeks of home recovery. This marks her eighth surgery or medical procedure in the past two years.

She expressed: “I feel worn out and grateful all at once. 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.”

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She emphasized that her cancer did not return (Image: NBC)

Jill is a carrier of the BRCA 2 gene mutation, which elevates her susceptibility to multiple cancers—a risk her father also faces. FORCE Facing Hereditary Cancer advises individuals with this genetic alteration to “consult with a genetics expert who can look at personal and family history of cancer and help decide on a plan for managing risk.”

The TODAY show host emphasized: “The earlier the detection, the higher the chance of not needing additional treatment.”

She continued, “And of course, if you get tested, there is always the option of doing the surgery preventively when there’s no cancer involved. [Then] there’s no treatment to follow.”

 

Following her public disclosure, Jill shared a video on her Instagram Story expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support. She described her mindset toward the upcoming procedure as professional and methodical.

Jill stated: “I am going to go in and I’m going to do it and I’m going to heal and get better.”