During her active days, Martina Navratilova was known for her fighting spirit. However, little did she know that she had a much bigger fight waiting for her later in her life. In 2010, four years after her retirement, Navratilova was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). In simple words, the earliest stage of breast cancer. Bringing her on-court toughness to life, the Czech-American legend stood firm against the ailment. Today, she is not only cancer-free but also works towards raising awareness about breast cancer.
Martina Navratilova opens up about changes in her life after breast cancer.
Going back in time, it was on the 24th of February that Navratilova was first diagnosed with DCIS. Recalling the time, she started by admitting, “Initially when I found out, I cried, maybe for 10 or 15 seconds, and then, feeling sorry for myself. Couldn’t believe that was happening to me.”
Walking down memory lane, she opened up about her mental state during that phase.
“…everything stops when it happens. Like oh sh*t! Okay, whatever you have to do tomorrow or next week, if you have to do a treatment, then, of course, that takes precedence…..When it happens to you, everything else gets pushed aside,” she said.
When did Navratilova get cancer free?
After a fight of 6 long months, it was at the end of September 2010 that Navratilova declared herself cancer free. Ever since then, she has been creating awareness about the deadly ailment.
Navratilova praises WTA’s tie-up with Hologic.
Praising the collaboration, Navratilova said, “It’s great to have a company that really cares about women only because women are always kind of an afterthought.”