Hoda Kotb Says Breast Cancer Is ‘Part of Me, but Not All of Me’ Nearly 20 Years Later: ‘I’m Different Now’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Hoda Kotb on November 29, 2023.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

ForHoda Kotb, breast cancer is something she never saw coming.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the newly retiredTodayhost spoke to PEOPLE while attending theRunway for Recoveryevent honoring breast cancer survivors.

The 60-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago after discovering a lump. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in March 2007. Kotb, who has remained cancer-free in the years since, recalls just how shocking the diagnosis was to hear.

Hoda Kotb speaks at Runway for Recovery on February 27, 2025.Runway for Recovery

Runway for Recovery

“I mean, there are people who are going to get breast cancer. I didn’t think I was one,” she admits. “I mean, I ate apples and ran in Central Park. I was like me? When they called me, they were like, ‘Oh, it’s you.’ I go, ‘It can’t be me. Why would it be me?’ I’ve never done any of the things that would lead to this diagnosis, but yet it came.”

Kotb says one of the most important things to do when receiving a cancer diagnosis is to “take a deep breath and slow down.” She says people should choose a doctor who they respect and admire, and then allow themselves time to “go through what you need to go through.”

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“But what you’ll find is you’re braver, you’re more resilient,” she adds.

Hoda Kotb and Olivia Boger, Founder of Runway For Recovery.Runway for Recovery

“What I love the most about this whole event is the people who are walking the runways have been through it,” Kotb says. “This is not like models walking on the red carpet. These are people who’ve been through it and what they’re doing is they’re showing you, they’re not telling you. They’re showing you, this is where I am now.

“When I had breast cancer, I remember thinking to myself, will I ever feel pretty in an outfit? Will I ever feel comfortable? How will I look?’” she tells PEOPLE. “I’m watching what’s happening here today and it’s extraordinary. It’s important.”

source: people.com