Katie Thurston, the reality-star-turned-34-year-old-politician, became known last year while starring on the 17th season of “The Bachelorette” and the 25th season of “The Bachelor.” She recently provided a heartening update on her continuing fight against breast cancer. Come February 2025, she posted the sweetest Instagram post about all her struggles and challenges leading up to being diagnosed. It all started when she felt a small bump on one of her breasts and shrugged it off at first as a benign symptom.
The situation escalated rapidly. They eventually found a lump and doctors diagnosed Thurston with Stage 3 triple-positive ductal carcinoma. This highly aggressive form of breast cancer has estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors located on the surface of the tumor. Sadly, the disease went to Stage 4 after it spread to her liver.
Thurston opened up about her condition when she appeared on “Good Morning America” with co-anchor Robin Roberts. She gave a touching and powerful testimony, encouraging all to be aware and to protect breast health for young women.
“Breast cancer really can happen before you’re 40,” – Katie Thurston
She further elaborated on this point, stating, “That is just simply not the case, and I’ve met so many women under 40 who have been diagnosed.” This declaration aims to raise awareness and encourage younger women to be proactive about their health.
Thurston worked tirelessly to raise awareness among young women. She pushed them on the importance of knowing their bodies, and going to their physician if something isn’t right. “I think the biggest thing is be so familiar with your breasts, and bring it to your doctor if something feels off or looks off. Age is nothing but a number at this point,” she advised.
In March, Thurston married comedian Jeff Acuri, who’s been a constant source of support during her health battles. After her diagnosis, Acuri cut short his comedy touring schedule to be with her. Combined, they are doing tremendously important work in the fight against breast cancer. The New York couple have pledged to donate at least $80,000—$40,000 each—to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with Acuri personally matching other people’s donations.
Thurston wanted to say thank you to all of the community and supporters who have continued to rally around her during this very difficult time. “They show up for the community, they’ve shown up for me,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of support during difficult moments.
As challenging and serious as her diagnosis is, Thurston stays relentlessly optimistic. She is adamant that she will not see her diagnosis as a death sentence or terminal illness. “I really trust medicine and the future of breast health. That’s kind of what keeps me going each day,” she noted.
Recent medical evaluations offer some hope. This comes after her six-month scan earlier this week when doctors said the treatment is still working. “We actually just did my six-month scan earlier this week, and the medicine is still working. The tumor is still shrinking. And when you’re Stage 4, that’s really all you can hope for,” she shared.
Thurston is working on her recovery with fierce resolve. She was supposed to get her double mastectomy next month, but she’s now moving it to an indefinite date.
