Comedian Wanda Sykes, known for her roles in The Upshaws and various stand-up specials, has never regretted her decision to undergo a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2011. Sykes’ diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer, came after a breast reduction surgery. Choosing a proactive approach, she opted for a double mastectomy as a preventative measure, prioritizing her life over what she considered “just boobs.”
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This year, Sykes stars in a Super Bowl commercial promoting breast cancer awareness for pharmaceutical company Novartis. Partnering with Hailee Steinfeld, the ad encourages women to visit YourAttentionPlease.com to learn about breast cancer screenings and risk factors. Sykes considers herself fortunate to have caught the cancer early, emphasizing the importance of early detection for saving lives. She hopes the ad will motivate women to prioritize their breast health.
Sykes is committed to maintaining her own health and encourages her wife of 16 years, Alex, to do the same.
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At 60, Sykes credits diet and exercise for feeling great, though she admits that recovering from physical activity isn’t as easy as it used to be. She also shares that being past menopause has its benefits, including fewer hot flashes and less irritability. Sykes even jokes that she feels “a little sexy!”
Her active lifestyle is partly inspired by her family, which includes 15-year-old twins Olivia and Lucas. Sykes’ wife, Alex, being ten years younger, and their children’s desire to stay active keep her motivated. She enjoys keeping up with them, even jogging on the beach during Christmas break.
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Sykes’ children were toddlers when she had her mastectomy and have a vague memory of the experience. This personal connection further fuels her passion for raising awareness about breast cancer. The entire family will be watching the Super Bowl, excited to see Sykes’ ad and its potential impact. A Philadelphia Eagles fan, Sykes is looking forward to the game itself and hopes the ad will spark important conversations about breast health.
