‘When I Found Out, I Cried’- Martina Navratilova Stresses on the Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness and WTA’s Latest Initiative With Hologic

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.

The ailment undoubtedly turned her life upside down. However, despite the seriousness of the issue, Navratilova made sure to not let it take over her. 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. Recently, she opened up about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Additionally, she also praised WTA for its latest partnership with Hologic.

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.”

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Walking down the 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.

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. The 59-time Grand Slam champion has reportedly helped women to get their yearly breast cancer tests done. Not to mention, she continues to keep up with the good work.

“We take care of everybody else. We don’t take such good care of ourselves. So I went public with my diagnosis to help other women,” she asserted. 

Going ahead in the conversation, she further elaborated on the advantages of being aware of breast cancer. “You just pay more attention and you’re more cognizant, and you also encourage your friends and family to make sure that they take care of themselves,” she said. 

Navratilova praises WTA’s tie-up with Hologic

After ending its partnership with Sony Ericson in 2010, WTA, in March this year, announced its latest global title partnership with Hologic. Looking in detail, Hologic is a medical technology company majorly focusing on women’s health. Being the pioneer of women’s health around the globe, Hologic provides medical facilities with devices for diagnostics, surgery, and medical imaging.

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While many people may consider it as just another partnership deal, that doesn’t seem to be the case with Navratilova. Being a cancer survivor, the 65-year-old rightly understands the importance of having such companies partnering with the tour. 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.”

Going further into the conversation, she revealed her reaction to learning about the partnership. “I was thrilled to hear about the partnership…..I wish we had it 30 years ago,” she said. 

Ever since she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the nine-time Wimbledon champion has been rigorously working towards spreading awareness about it. 12 years later, today, Navratilova proudly stands as one of the most prominent activists working on enhancing women’s knowledge of breast cancer. Navratilova ended her interview with an important message for women. She said, “Do it. Don’t put it off. When you get that notice in the mail that it’s time for your yearly check-up. Do it. Take care of yourself first.”