Andrea Mitchell reveals breast cancer diagnosis on air

(CBS) Andrea Mitchell, NBC News' chief foreign affairs correspondent, announced on air Wednesday that she has breast cancer.

She revealed the diagnosis at the end of her MSNBC show "Andrea Mitchell Reports," telling other women: "Screening matters. Do it."

Mitchell, 64, told viewers that the cancer had been detected early and that her prognosis is "terrific."

"I had planned to be hiking in Wyoming last week but instead discovered that I am now among the one in eight women - incredibly, one in eight - who've had breast cancer," she said. "Mine was discovered during my annual screening just a short time ago. Lucky for me, I'm one of the fortunate ones. We discovered it in the earliest stage, it has not spread, and I'm already back at work with a terrific prognosis."

The longtime journalist said she has been a longtime supporter of breast cancer research and prevention, but now her connection to the cause is "personal and much deeper."

"I'm looking at this as another of life's lessons," she said. "For you women out there and for the men who love you, screening matters. Do it. This disease can be completely curable, if you find it at the right time."

Watch her announcement below:

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