The Navy’s top officer is healthy after treatment following a Stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, the service disclosed on Friday.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti has been declared “cancer free” by her physicians after a lump was discovered in a routine screening this summer.
“Franchetti received her diagnosis in late June after a routine screening mammogram. She underwent a successful outpatient surgery in July, completed radiation therapy, and began maintenance endocrine therapy this month. During her surgery, Franchetti temporarily transferred her authority to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations,” reads the statement from CNO’s office.
A Navy official told USNI News that the cancer treatment would not affect Franchetti’s tenure as CNO.
“I am grateful for my wonderful team of doctors at John P. Murtha Cancer Center for their excellent care and their development of a treatment plan that allows me to continue leading the world’s greatest Navy,” Franchetti said in a Friday statement.
“I am blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening.”
Franchetti’s announcement follows the high-profile illness and disclosure issues following Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s treatment for prostate cancer.
Austin did not disclose his condition to the White House, which resulted in a public and legislative outcry and a promise from the Pentagon to disclose potentially debilitating medical conditions of senior leaders.
The following is the complete Sept. 20, 2024, statement from the Navy.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti is cancer free after undergoing treatment for Stage 1 Breast Cancer at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Franchetti received her diagnosis in late June after a routine screening mammogram. She underwent a successful outpatient surgery in July, completed radiation therapy, and began maintenance endocrine therapy this month. During her surgery, Franchetti temporarily transferred her authority to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
“I am grateful for my wonderful team of doctors at John P. Murtha Cancer Center for their excellent care and their development of a treatment plan that allows me to continue leading the world’s greatest Navy,” Franchetti said. “I am blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening.”
