Erin Andrews is the host of DWTS, taking over for Brooke Burke Charvet in 2014, and she’s also a sportscaster for Fox Sports. Last year was a tough one for Erin because she went to trial in the case against a stalker who recorded her without her knowledge from an adjacent hotel room in 2008, later releasing nude video of her online. She was awarded $55 million from the stalker and from the Marriott corporation in March. Then, in September she learned she had cervical cancer which would need to be treated immediately. Erin went to work covering a football game, got treated a couple of weeks later, and then went back to work within a week. It sounds like she never took time off to recover, but that’s how she preferred it and she wanted to get right back into the swing of things. By November she was given the all clear from her doctor. Here’s more with Erin, thanks to Sports Illustrated MMQB:
She feels vulnerable in public knowing that people have seen her naked
I know it’s not healthy. It’s something I’m working on. I feel like I have to win every battle. I feel like I have to prove to people that this has hurt me in ways that you probably can’t see.She wants to help other victims
“[I want to fight] for victims who don’t have the resources I have. There’s somewhere I can fit in here, I just need to figure out where. I want to get in front of Congress; I want to get in front of lawmakers in D.C.; I want to try to strengthen laws. I just need to find the right group to align myself with. I’m making that my project once the Super Bowl is over.”Football gives her strength
“Football is such a huge part of my life. It helped me get through the trial. On the witness stand, I said being on the field is ‘my happiness, my escape,’ and I truly believe that. I couldn’t wait to return to the sideline.”She was diagnosed Oct 8, had surgery Oct 11 and was back at work on October 17
“Should I have been standing for a full game five days after surgery? Let’s just say the doctor didn’t recommend that,” Andrews says. “But just as I felt during my trial, sports were my escape. I needed to be with my crew.”How she dealt with everything
“After the trial everyone kept telling me, ‘You’re so strong, for going through all of this, for holding down a job in football, for being the only woman on the crew. Finally I got to the point where I believed it too. ‘Hey, I have cancer, but dammit, I am strong, and I can do this.’”
Erin had a second surgery on November 1 and was given the all clear by her doctor on November 17. She did not have to do chemotherapy or radiation. I think she’s sharing this now because it’s right before the Super Bowl, she’s well on the other side of it and she’s ready to tell people about it without having the news interfere too much with her job. Plus she used an apt sports metaphor when explaining why she went right back out again. She told her fiance, NHL player Jarret Stoll, “You wouldn’t miss a game. You’d play through any injury, do whatever it takes to get back out there. That’s going to be me.” Her story reminds me of Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in that Rancic made it a priority to get back to work right away as that’s what she was determined to do. That’s not for everyone and I don’t want to call it admirable, although it is, so as not to take away from people who rest after treatment, which is also admirable. People deal with health problems in unique ways and there’s no right or wrong way.
People Magazine has more information about cervical cancer, prevention and detection. Pap smears are key and given the fact that the people who run the country are trying to limit our access to basic health care please schedule one soon if you’re due.
Here’s a cute photo of Erin’s engagement night. She got engaged at Disneyland. This is so adorable and gives me the warm fuzzies.
photos credit: WENN, Getty and Erin Andrews/Instagram
Wow. The power of woman.
I really like this woman. I like really strong women who put in the fight and beat all odds. I wish Erin Andrews all the best and thank God for a speedy recovery,
And let’s face it: would you be confident enough to take off a full week of time working at Fox if you’d had surgery on your hoo hah?
It doesn’t feel right to say that what she did is admirable because some people have a nurturing working environment and love what they do, therefore it gives them strength to immediately go back to work. Others take energy from their family and loved ones, or some kind of passion. Others need to sleep.
However, it’s perfectly safe to say that she is admirable for having gone through such an ordeal and speaking about it. All good vibes her way.
I admire any woman who goes through this in whatever way they choose to recover and I admire her for coming forward when cervical cancer can have such a stupid stigma to it to some. I felt I had to comment bc I was just at my obgyn and she told me my insurance would not be paying for my pap. My last one was in 2015. It was normal, so they felt the need to say I didn’t need one. I was floored. I asked her what to do and she said cervical cancer is on the rise, but treatment is better than ever but the key is a diagnosis! Who is to tell me I’m probably ok bc 2 years ago I was fine! It made me furious. We did one anyway and I’ll pay out of pocket. It was not expensive but I realize some might just not have those extra funds. So they are to wait? I think this is horrible for women and a step back in women’s rights. I’m so thankful for my Dr and stressing how important it is to get screened every year, I hate it for those who cannot afford to do so. Who has done this and what can we do about it? All she said was this was per the guidelines of ACOG. (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology)😡😡😡
Definitely a good idea to get it regardless. I had always had normal paps, had one less than a year before and they were planning on bumping it out to every three or four years, but then had one at the start of a pregnancy. Had a miscarriage and the day after got a call that the pap had been abnormal. Had more tests, along with the d&c and quickly had to have surgery because those “spots” were already the most advanced precancerous stage. It was that fast. I will say, I think she likely had the same surgery as I did, where they are just removing the impacted portion of the cervix, and the surgery itself isn’t that bad. I think I was back at work the next day or perhaps the day after. But still. Can you imagine what a man would do?! I was visiting a friend who had had twins recently and her husband had just gotten a vasectomy. He was still lying on the couch icing it three days later. My friend was just rolling her eyes.
You had to pay out of pocket because the recommended guidelines are that if you had a normal Pap, you don’t need one for another 3 years. So insurance will pay for it when it’s due but you weren’t due. There are guidelines for this specific reason, or else everyone could go get a Pap smear every month and it would be a big waste of resources.
But here’s your reminder ladies that if you are due for your Pap, please go get one! And if you are under 26 and haven’t had the Gaurdasil shots, please go get them. Cervical cancer is preventable! We have a vaccine for cancer!!
I think there are more criteria though; it’s normal pap + monogamous relationship, something like that. Even if you had normal one, you may still need to get one annually if you don’t meet the other criteria.
Greenieweenie – no, that is not a criteria. The criteria are if you are between 21-29, you get a pap every three years if they are normal every time. Once you hit 30, you get a pap smear + HPV testing done every 5 years if they are always normal.
I’m going to be an ObGyn, so I have spent A LOT of time learning the criteria for pap smears.
They (most first world nations) increased the recommended time between pap smears because of numerous scientific studies that show the same survival rate whether people are screened every year, every 3 years or every 5 years.
With longer times between tests, you still get the benefits of testing but a) save costs and b) reduce stress caused by mild abnormalities that would resolve on their own in a month or two c) reduce unnecessary surgical treatment that has (small) risks of cervical incompetence and later miscarriage.
You definitely need a pap smear immediately if you have any odd symptoms. Yearly if you’ve had a history of abnormal cells, a family history of cancer etc. But if you’re healthy and all your other pap smears have been clear, then the stats say that testing every 3 years or so is sufficient.
Down here in Oz they’re getting rid of the traditional pap smear altogether. The new guidelines are that screening doesn’t start until you’re 25, at which time you go for HPV testing every 5 years. They only check the cells for abnormalities if they find HPV.
My GP in Australia is still saying a pap smear every 2 years. Where’d you hear it was changing?
Also, why would they reduce frequency after 30 years of age?
My godmother caught cervical cancer early from a pap smear, was treated and is totally fine now. Keep on schedule ladies! They save lives
Badass, She is the type of person I am, Like let me do this hunker down and get on to brass tacks… No muss no fuss til after the storm has pass, Also I kinda admire how she just went on living her like in a very dignified head up fashion, Atta Girl*claps*
Granted, I have no idea the extent of her situation & treatment but when I had the surgery 25 years ago I remember my boss was irked I missed a day of work. Dick. I was back the next day. Privacy wasn’t as protected then as it is now, but I don’t believe I really told HIM (boss) much at all.
I really admire her. It makes all the times people have taken off of work for a cold or a headache seem so minimal and unnecessary. She seems very strong, although I hope she is taking care of herself mentally, as she has gone through a lot recently and in the public eye.
I swear the only reason I don’t have HPV is because I participated in clinical trials for the vaccine before I was sexually active. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. My point: everyone go get all the vaccines!
Not exactly. NP / Cervical cancer “survivor” here. (that term seems silly when you apply it to me because I never had to suffer the way people do with other cancers). The vaccines only cover two of the literally SCORES of strains of HPV. And while yes, they are two of the more cancer-causing strains, HPV vaccines should definitely not be considered foolproof, by any standard. I was too old for them (even though ironically they were developed where I went to grad school), and have recently had ti have an ovary-sparing hysterectomy for cervical cancer in its very earliest stage. Been battling dysplasia for years, and a very stressful year last year finally made the conditions right for it get out of hand. I was able to mitigate dysplasia for a VERY long time with a healthy plant based diet and lifestyle, but in the end, the uterus had to go. No regrets. I’m 45 now, and it had a good run. The message here is that diet and lifestyle should be your FIRST LINE.
Also, had I known how badly the new POTUS and his administration wanted to own EVERY uterus in the country, I would have had mine boxed up and sent to them when I had the chance.
Hmm.
I was shocked when it came out that Connie Smulders had ovarian cancer and kept working through all of her surgical treatments. Her and Andrews here – best of luck to them.
Back to work in a few days–Yeah like every other woman. For someone who has been consistently snarky towards others, she sure expects a lot of goodwill.
I think there’s a BIG difference between being a bit snarky (hello, welcome to celebitchy, you too are a snarky b*tch) and then expecting not to be filmed while nude in the privacy of your own hotel room or not wanting CANCER. I don’t think she’s expecting a lot of goodwill, but my god, CANCER. What is wrong with people.
She is no hero. This is utter bs to me. I had the same procedure she had and was back to work the next day. Along with every other woman I know that had this done. It’s not a big deal.
If it’s a loop excision (LEETZ), yeah. It’s actually pretty straightforward. I’ve had FOUR. And a hysterectomy. That’s a little more involved, lol.
She’s a strong woman and very inspiring. However, I’m not supportive of the notion that being strong means you have to work through everything like the injury/issue doesn’t exist:
“You’d play through any injury, do whatever it takes to get back out there. That’s going to be me.”
If the body needs rest, there’s no shame in resting it, then that is ‘doing whatever it takes’. If you’re in a position to take on doctor’s advice (especially in severe situations), then do it. Why hobble around on a broken leg when you can just let the bones rest and heal??? Also I think a lot of people adopt this mindset because then cannot adapt or adjust to the circumstances. Maybe they haven’t been in a vulnerable/weaker position for a long time and it’s easier to go back to what you know? Or maybe they’re afraid to face the fact that the world will go on without them anyway?
I don’t think Erin is stronger because of her ability to keep going, I think her decision-making is strong and she’s doing what she feels is right and what she can handle. That’s the best message for me because women are too often told what to do as we’re too stupid/fragile/sensitive to know for ourselves.
@Celebitchy, I think Erin Andrews might be coming out with this now also b/c of the breaking study results this week that revealed cervical cancer has higher mortality rates than scientists and public health officials had realized before. And that mortality is dispproportionate. So it is great that she came out with her own personal battle to reveal she was afflicted and overcame this.
Cervical cancer is often a result from HPV, which is often an STD. There is an HPV vaccine (I remember making the cutoff 11 years ago when it came out b/c I wasn’t yet sexually active in my 20’s). Now, clinical guidelines for the HPV vaccine, that prevents cervical cancer, is for girls 9-26 years old get the vaccine.
Also, I know I don’t have to explain this here with these educated women, but a pap smear is the best prevention of late diagnosis of cervical cancer b/c it looks for this. That’s why the defunding of Planned Parenthood is so infuriating – these female wellness services are so affordable at PP. But no, all you hear is that Planned Parenthood does abortions. (smacks hand into head).
No, she’s riding on the coat tails of the women’s march to get good PR. She’s playing the game.
It’s so odd how some people still seem to blame her for some pervert filming her without her permission. I’m not saying you have to like the woman or that she’s perfect but she’s been through a lot. She was unfairly blamed and slut shamed for a stranger filming her without her permission and then has to fight cancer. Wow, I wish her well.
It’s not like she had a partial or full hysterectomy…my guess is she probably had the cancer cells frozen, which hurts like a MF, but is an outpatient procedure.
I don’t see the big deal…I beat cervical cancer TWICE and both times I took the rest of that day off and back to work the next day. I also didn’t have to undergo chemo or radiation. I understand not everyone’s bodies respond the same way and cancer affects people in different ways but I just feel like her publicizing this, especially now is just a way to look for sympathy or in the football world, ‘atta boy’.
Wow!! The lack of support from people who have suffered from (pre? )cervical cancer (or stage 0) on this board is astounding!! Her bravery is not only from beating the (pre?) cervical cancer but for coming forward!! Especially with the stigma surrounding anything that has to do with a vagina/ STD. As someone who had dealt with HPV/ (pre) cervical cancer for almost 10 years (!!!) and had surgery twice I thank her and commend her for coming forward as I know it wasn’t easy.. And hopefully this brings more awareness to something preventable and relatively common.
I don’t understand how coming forward with a cancer diagnosis is brave. Cancer is the kind of diagnosis that immediately elicits sympathy. Never any suggestion that a character problem is at issue, as with, say, a diagnosis of mental illness. I.e., there is no risk in coming forward. What Carrie Fisher did for years, however–coming forward with her bipolar diagnosis–took genuine courage. In short, I’m with Bubbles and Nic (comments above) on this one. I just don’t see that Andrews is demonstrating any special fortitude or courage. It’s called life. You have to go to work to survive. Most women do it every day, unless they just got slammed by a semi-truck.
Being a public figure and basically admitting she has HPV is brave. Talking about her vagina while so many politicians make it clear they all wish we didn’t have them is brave. Sharing her private medical information after being so publicly exposed is brave.
Stop it.
It’s also brave in the sense that people will treat you differently. Often well-meaningly, but differently. Trust me, I’ve been there. Once you are “a cancer patient”, the whole patina of things change. Even the God-awful cancer hospital that I had to go to for my pre-op had “that tone of voice” when they spoke to you…like you’re made of china and will crack at any minute. I’m an effing NURSE and it drove me round the bend. So yeah, it’s brave, in a different kind of way. Perhaps that’s just my take on things…I find obsequious sympathy completely annoying.
I have CIN3 – my LEEP is scheduled in 2 weeks. It took my body only 18 months to go from CIN1 mild to CIN3 severe – escalating from CIN2 to CIN3 in only 4 months.
Get papped. It can save your life. It saved mine.
I applaud any and every woman talking about cervical cancer and/or HPV. It needs to be destigmatized and discussed.
Thank you CB for posting female health articles on here.
Erica V: on reconsideration, I concede you’re right about the bravery of publicly discussing a diagnosis of HPV. Thank you for pointing that out for me. I just haven’t ever thought of HPV as being freighted with the stigma of other STDs. I know it can be serious from a health standpoint; however, I don’t hear people reflexively associating it with promiscuity or irresponsibility, as they often do (unfairly!) with STDs such as HIV and herpes. To the extent that there’s stigma, though, and Andrews can help diminish it, then hats off to her. And if she raises awareness about screening, that’s great, too.
I’m saddened by the many ‘whats the big deal’ comments. Anytime awareness is brought up for something that can kill you, is a big deal. Awareness is key. And as women, we often put ourselves on the back burner for many reasons. And Same for men, I am living proof of that.
If anyone is on the fence regarding this vaccine, please research and weigh the pros and cons for yourself, and your children. Both boys and girls really could benefit from this. And could be life saving.
This summer, my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 HPV strain 16. When I kissed him, I touched his neck and felt a lump. I remember my exact words were “What in the hell is that?!” And he made an appointment with our doctor. Due to the size and location of his tumors mainly tonsils and lymph nodes in his neck and head, and swollen lymph nodes in his armpit. He had the lymph nodes removed from his arm, and while they did show abnormal, not cancerous, his surgon urged us to seek further testing.
Long story short, and with the aid of wonderful doctors, we had a diagnosis, and were able to set into motion a treatment plan.
Being stage 4, we realize how very lucky we are that treatment worked. We are still not out of the woods, and will feel more secure when we reach the 1 year all clear mark.
He was very lucky that he doesn’t have any lasting scaring on his head and neck, and still unsure if his saliva glads will work properly, but are hopeful. I am not going to lie, or sugar coat things, it was hell for him enduring 33 rounds of daily head and neck radiation, and 7 rounds of chemo given once a week. He had a feeding tube placed, while healthy, and thankfully we did, because for about 6 weeks, that was his only source for him to get nutrition and medication. And is now seeing a PT for lymphedema on his neck.
We were very fortunate that it was HPV strain 16, which is responds better to treatment, then the other strains. (such a strange sounding statement, but for those who have beat cancer, will understand)
Also, if your work benefits include any type of supplemental insurance for cancer, please sign up, it helped us out a lot. Also, if short term/long term disability insurance is offered, I urge you to opt in. The paperwork is a total PITA, but having it, eased a lot of financial stress. and when battling cancer, any stress you can eleminate is a godsend.
I think part of the what’s the big deal reaction is because the article uses the word “surgery” which makes it sound like she had a hysterectomy and then was right back to work. More likely, she had a colposcopy followed by a Leep and the vast majority of women who have those procedures go right back to work. I know I did after mine.
As to the newer recommendations that women go longer in between Pap tests I think they will lead to an uptick in cervical cancer deaths. I went from a history of over 20 normal Pap tests in a row to stage 0 cervical cancer in less than 10 months. Had I and my doctor followed the recommendations I would probably be dead now. The Pap test is known to have a high rate of false negatives meaning it misses abnormal cells. That typically isn’t a huge deal since cervical cancer is normally slow growing so if you’re getting tested every year those abnormalities will show up in your next test or the one after that. Now consider if your next test isn’t for 5 years and then another 5 years. If those tests are false negatives you’ll develop stage 4 cancer well before you get that next test.
As to Planned Parenthood, it’s hardly the only place women can get Pap tests. Those who support their work should donate money to them. If everyone who is constantly harping on how the government needs to fund them donated their own money, Planned Parenthood wouldn’t need government money.