Grace Helbig’s Courageous Journey: Confronting Breast Cancer with Humor and Resilience

Grace Helbig, born on September 27, 1985, in Woodbury, New Jersey, is a renowned American comedian, actress, and YouTube personality. She gained prominence through her YouTube channel, where her comedic sketches and vlogs have garnered a substantial following. Beyond her online presence, Helbig has ventured into television, hosting “The Grace Helbig Show” on E!, and co-authoring books like “Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending to Be a Grown-up.” In July 2023, Helbig publicly disclosed her diagnosis of breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage early detection.

How Did She Get Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

Helbig discovered a lump in her left breast during a routine gynecological check-up. Though she initially thought it was nothing serious, she decided to follow up with additional medical tests. This led to a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, confirming her stage 2A triple-positive breast cancer. She emphasized the importance of self-examination and speaking up about any concerns.

“Get those lumps checked, and do not be afraid to ask a doctor what you might think is a stupid question.”

She talked about it on her YouTube channel which was posted in July 2023.

Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and HER2-positive. This means the cancer cells grow in response to hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and overexpress the HER2 protein, which promotes cell growth. Because of these characteristics, TPBC tends to be more aggressive but is also highly responsive to targeted treatments. The most common signs include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm – This is often the first noticeable symptom. Lumps may feel firm, irregular, or painless, but some can be tender.
• Swelling in part of the breast – Some individuals notice one breast becoming larger or swollen compared to the other.
• Skin changes – This can include dimpling, puckering, or redness, resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange).
• Changes in the nipple – The nipple may become inverted, painful, or scaly, or there may be unusual discharge (sometimes bloody).
• Breast pain or discomfort – While many breast cancers are painless, some women experience aching or tenderness.

Helbig’s proactive approach to addressing her symptoms underscores the critical role of early detection in treatment.

source: businessinsider.com

What Was Grace ’s Initial Reaction to Her Diagnosis?

Upon receiving her diagnosis, Helbig described the experience as “very shocking” and “surreal.” Despite the initial disbelief, she conveyed a sense of optimism, noting that her cancer was “super treatable” and “highly beatable,” as reassured by her medical team.

“I almost didn’t bring it up to her because I was convinced that what I was feeling couldn’t possibly be serious and I was being silly.”  She continued. 

“I finally listened to that little quiet voice in the back of my head begging me to advocate for myself, I’m so glad I did”.

The prognosis for triple-positive breast cancer is generally favorable, especially when detected early. Treatment success rates are high, offering hope to many diagnosed with this subtype. Helbig’s openness about her condition serves as a beacon of encouragement for others facing similar challenges.

What Treatment Did Grace Helbig Undergo for Breast Cancer?

Helbig’s treatment regimen comprised six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, radiation therapy, and 10 rounds of hormonal therapy. This comprehensive approach targets the cancer cells through multiple avenues: chemotherapy to shrink tumors, surgery to remove any remaining cancerous tissue, and hormonal therapy to prevent recurrence by blocking hormone receptors.

Throughout her chemotherapy sessions, Helbig remained transparent about the side effects she encountered, including fatigue and hair loss. She maintained her characteristic humor, sharing her experiences with fans to demystify the treatment process and provide support to others undergoing similar journeys.

How Did Grace Overcome Breast Cancer?

Helbig’s resilience and humor were key in her cancer journey. She balanced her life, career, and advocacy, relying on support from family, friends, and fans. In her announcement, she said, “Comedy, jokes, laughing, that all helps me process very difficult things.” She openly discussed her fears but stressed the power of community and humor. Confident in facing the challenge, she declared, “That was my job now. I was going to fight that little bitch of a thing in my left breast as best, as strongly, and as gracefully as I could, pun intended.” Helbig found Hank Green’s videos helpful, including a stand-up routine he promised to share.

On August 11 she posted the reel on her Instagram account.

“And I guess the biggest lovely thing that’s happened this week is that I finished my breast cancer treatment officially”.

 Also, she talked about her journey and the emotional parts of that. 

How Did Advocacy and Public Awareness Help?

Leveraging her platform, Helbig actively raised awareness about breast cancer. She shared her journey through YouTube videos and social media updates, collaborating with cancer organizations to disseminate information. Her efforts resonated particularly with younger audiences, highlighting the significance of early detection. In her public disclosures, Helbig detailed her experiences, from diagnosis to treatment, providing a transparent narrative that educated and inspired her followers. Her involvement in campaigns and partnerships further amplified her message, encouraging individuals to prioritize their health and seek regular screenings.

What Is Grace’s Life Like After Her Diagnosis?

Post-diagnosis, Helbig continues to focus on her health while remaining committed to her audience and advocacy work. She provides regular health updates, sharing insights into her ongoing treatment and recovery process. Her dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer persists, as she emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.

Helbig has adopted lifestyle changes to maintain her health, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. She openly discusses the side effects and challenges resulting from her treatment, offering strategies and support to others in similar situations.

What Causes Triple-Positive Breast Cancer?

Triple-positive breast cancer is driven by the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as an overexpression of the HER2 protein. Risk factors include genetic predispositions, hormonal influences, and environmental exposures. 

Genetic Factors: A family history of breast cancer significantly increases the risk, particularly for women carrying inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, or PTEN. However, TPBC is less frequently linked to BRCA mutations compared to triple-negative breast cancer. Another key genetic factor is HER2 gene amplification, where extra copies of the HER2 gene lead to overproduction of the HER2 protein, resulting in rapid and uncontrolled cell growth.

Hormonal Factors: Since TPBC is hormone receptor-positive, prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone elevates the risk. This increased hormone exposure can result from early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills, as well as never having children or having a first pregnancy after age 30. Obesity also plays a significant role in TPBC risk. Fat tissue produces estrogen, and higher body fat levels can lead to excess estrogen, which fuels cancer growth. Hormonal imbalances associated with obesity further contribute to an environment that promotes tumor development.

Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

Certain environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of developing triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC). Previous radiation exposure, particularly chest radiation therapy for conditions like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, increases the likelihood of breast cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption raises estrogen levels, which can further fuel cancer growth. Additionally, an unhealthy diet high in processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to an elevated risk.

The Role of Estrogen, Progesterone, and HER2 in TPBC

Estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in breast cell growth by binding to their respective receptors. In TPBC, cancer cells overexpress these hormone receptors, leading to uncontrolled growth. Similarly, HER2 gene amplification results in excessive HER2 protein production, which accelerates cell division and tumor progression. While some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular screenings are key preventive measures.

How Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Maintaining breast health involves regular screenings, lifestyle adjustments, and awareness of risk factors. The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and annually after age 40. Regular mammograms are essential for early detection, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

A healthy lifestyle also plays a key role in reducing breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol to one drink per day, and avoiding smoking are important preventive measures. Understanding family history and considering genetic testing for those at high risk can help guide prevention strategies.

Early detection is crucial, as seen with Grace, who was diagnosed after discovering a lump during a routine check-up. Staying proactive with screenings and healthy habits can reduce risk and improve early detection chances.

Written by Mariam Khachatryan, MD