“I was very fortunate,” E! News co-host says as she raises awareness for the cancer

Oct 8, 2013 04:17 GMT  ·  By

Exactly 2 years ago, while going through IVF in an attempt to become pregnant, Giuliana Rancic was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and treatment, and is now using her weight as a public figure to raise awareness on the importance of getting regular checkups.

Speaking with CBS News just a few hours ago, the E! News co-host and fashion / red carpet correspondent stresses how “fortunate” she was to have discovered the cancer when she did, particularly seeing how she had no signs of it.

She had no family history either, she says.

“I was very fortunate. Because I've gone public with the breast cancer, I hear a lot of stories and some are not as great as others,” she explains.

“Whether it's resulting in complications from surgery... whatever the case, I hear it all. And I realize how fortunate I am... to have just kind of gotten out of there OK, because it is such a major surgery,” Giuliana continues.

She also thanks her husband and her family for their support throughout the experience, and urges women in the same situation to “get a second opinion” as well before deciding whether the double mastectomy is the right decision for them.