CNN anchor Sara Sidner shares her journey through chemotherapy and the importance of cancer research during the TIME100 Health Impact Dinner in New York City.
Sara Sidner, CNN anchor and senior national correspondent, made a powerful statement at the TIME100 Health Impact Dinner on Tuesday night. She shared her personal experience of undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2023. Despite the grueling treatment, Sidner continued to work throughout the entire process, which drew applause from the audience.
“It’s Possible to Live Your Life While Battling Cancer”
Sidner told the crowd, “It is possible to live your life while trying to kill cancer.” She expressed gratitude toward medical professionals, researchers, and drug developers, saying, “Thank you for your work; we need it so, so much.”
Panel Discussion on Cancer Research and Treatment
Sidner was joined by Dr. Vinod Balachandran, a surgeon-scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Victor Bulto, president of Novartis U.S., for a panel moderated by Alice Park, TIME’s senior health correspondent. The discussion focused on recent breakthroughs in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, as well as the ongoing research needed to combat the disease.
Sidner’s Public Announcement of Her Diagnosis
Sidner revealed that she had not initially planned to share her cancer diagnosis publicly. However, upon receiving the diagnosis, she realized that it would be impossible to keep it a secret. She felt it was important to share her journey honestly with others, even if it meant exposing herself in vulnerable ways.
Cancer as an Urgent Health Crisis
Dr. Balachandran, also a 2025 TIME100 Health honoree, called cancer “the most urgent health crisis of our lifetime,” noting that one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer. He emphasized that cancer cells are constantly evolving, making it challenging to treat with existing medications. However, advancements in AI and mRNA technology offer hope for earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments, especially for cancers like pancreatic cancer.
The Importance of Equitable Cancer Care
Victor Bulto stressed the need for innovation not just in medicine, but in ensuring that cancer treatments reach all patients, regardless of their location or background. He highlighted the importance of understanding the lived experiences of patients as part of the treatment process.
Optimism Despite Challenges
Despite challenges in funding for cancer research, particularly under the Trump Administration, Dr. Balachandran expressed optimism about the progress being made in cancer care. He believes the transformative advancements in treatment will continue to gain support because cancer affects everyone.
Will We Cure Cancer?
When asked whether cancer could be cured, Dr. Balachandran responded confidently, “Yes.” He emphasized that while cancer is already being cured, the next step is to expand access to treatment, reduce side effects, and ensure that more people can benefit from these breakthroughs. Sidner agreed but highlighted the need for equitable cancer care, pointing out that Black women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, with a mortality rate nearly 40% higher than their white counterparts.
The panel discussion ended with a strong call for continued progress in cancer research and treatment, with a focus on making these advancements accessible to all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
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