#7 Stacey Sager’s Journey: Three Decades, Three Cancers, and the Power of Resilience

Curveball with Scott Reich

At age 30, Stacey’s inherited breast cancer risk became reality. Drawing on the intensity of her family history—her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all confronted cancer—Stacey took decisive, aggressive action. After a bilateral mastectomy, Stacey didn’t just rebuild her own life—she began sharing her cancer story publicly on television at a time when such disclosures were nearly unheard of.

Stacey sits down with Scott Reich to reflect on her trajectory: losing her mother to breast cancer at age 20 and ultimately surviving three distinct cancers across three decades of her life.

Losing her mother at such a formative age forced Stacey into adulthood earlier than most. With a mostly absentee father, there was no emotional or financial safety net. These early experiences made Stacey “a pro at surviving”—a skillset that became even more crucial as the curveballs continued throughout her life.

Our Guest:

Stacey Sager

Listeners Will Learn:

• Stacey talks about the importance of proactive health screenings due to her family history.
• Stacey describes having to “grow up fast” after losing her mother at 20, with little parental support.
• The episode touches on generational trauma and survival within Stacey’s family.
• She went public with her cancer diagnosis at a time when few people in broadcast journalism were sharing such personal stories.
• Stacey mentions the “sisterhood” of breast and ovarian cancer survivors.
• The concept of “living your truth” is discussed in the episode.
• Both Scott and Stacey talk about connecting trauma to purpose—"post-traumatic growth."
• Stacey expresses that happiness can be a choice, even after surviving multiple cancers and personal loss.
• Medical decision-making is a big theme—Stacey discusses how she weighed conflicting expert opinions and ultimately had to make difficult treatment choices.
• Stacey emphasizes the importance of community and not letting trauma define your happiness.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Battle Against Three Decades of Cancer

(05:14) Cherishing Motherhood and Presence

(08:15) Does Youth End Abruptly?

(12:58) Mammogram Story Inspires Lifesaving Action

(13:39) Embracing Challenges, Building Community

(17:59) Early Detection Dilemma

(20:04) Deciding Against Early Chemotherapy

(23:07) Ignoring Pain Post-Mastectomy

(27:59) Trauma to Growth: Embrace Hope

(32:22) Journalist Credibility Boost

(34:54) Hope and Progress Through Innovation