Christiane Amanpour is one of the most highly respected journalists in modern history. She has spent decades covering international relations and has been a reporter for networks like CNN, CBS and ABC. Amanpour is best known as CNN’s chief international correspondent where she has spent many years at the center of international battles by visiting war torn countries to report the latest updates. She eventually got to host her own interview and commentary shows and took over PBS’s nightly news slot from Charlie Rose in 2018. She has been decorated with multiple prestigious awards including Emmys and Peabody Awards.
But the truth about Amanpour is that she is no stranger to hardship.
• She had ovarian cancer
In 2021, Christiane Amanpour was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian clear cell carcinoma at the age of 63. Her treatment plan included a major surgery followed by 18 weeks of chemotherapy. Amanpour shared the news with the public to encourage women to get regular health checkups. “I’m telling you this in the interest of transparency, but in truth, really, mostly, as a shoutout to early diagnosis,” she told People. “To urge women to educate themselves on this disease; to get all the regular screenings and scans that you can; to always listen to your body; and to of course, to ensure that your legitimate medical concerns are not dismissed or diminished.”
A year later while in remission, Amanpour reflected on her feelings about the frightening health diagnosis. “Ovarian cancer is known as the invisible killer. Get all the scans that you can,” she advised in a conversation with People. “We women know better what’s going on with our own bodies than anybody.” Amanpour returned to her work at CNN a few months after completing her chemotherapy.