Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy's highest-ranking military officer, has successfully undergone treatment for early-stage breast cancer, according to a statement released by the Navy. Her stage 1 cancer was detected during a routine mammogram in June, and she had outpatient surgery in July at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Following additional therapy this month, Franchetti is now cancer-free, the Navy confirmed.
During her treatment period, Franchetti transferred power to her vice chief of naval operations. She is the second senior defense official to announce a cancer diagnosis this year, after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Unlike Austin, who faced criticism for delayed disclosure, Franchetti promptly informed key officials, including the Secretary of the Navy and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr., upon her diagnosis and surgery in June and July, respectively.
Franchetti has had an illustrious career, having commanded at all levels, including as head of the US 6th Fleet and US Naval Forces Korea. She was also the second woman to become a four-star admiral. In 2023, President Biden nominated her as the first female chief of naval operations. In her statement, Franchetti expressed gratitude for the care she received at Walter Reed, noting she is "blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)