Katie Thurston Shares Biggest “Surprise” of Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer (MBC), in 2025. Now, nearly a year later, the reality TV alum opens up about what has surprised her most since learning she has metastatic disease.

Just under two weeks after a double mastectomy, the 35-year-old walked the pink carpet at the annual Hot Pink Party hosted by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), where she reflected on the past year and the support she’s received since her diagnosis.

“This is kind of my one-year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer, and BCRF was the first organization to reach out [after my diagnosis],” she said. “It feels like this full-circle moment of survivorship and sisterhood and fundraising. My husband is here tonight as well to support.”

Thurston’s husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri, donated $1 from every ticket sold on his comedy tour to BCRF in honor of his wife. By personally matching these donations, Arcuri has helped raise well over $80,000 for the cause. Attending the Hot Pink Party was the first red carpet appearance the two had made together since Thurston’s diagnosis.

Despite one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, breast cancer in young women is often dismissed.Thurston said one of the biggest surprises has been seeing how many young women are being diagnosed with the disease. “I think being under 40 is the biggest surprise, and how many women I’m finding out are being diagnosed,” she told us. In fact, research on breast cancer in younger women shows that those under 45 are seeing double the rate of increased breast cancer incidence compared to women over 45.

“I think a lot of us are feeling lumps but thinking, ‘It’s [breast changes due to] our period.’ Well, sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s cancer.”

She added that while not every lump is cancerous, every lump should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor.

“Not all lumps are bad lumps,” she said, “but all lumps should be checked out.”

Metastatic breast cancer represents one of the most urgent needs in research. That’s why over a third of BCRF’s research investment, 96 projects around the world, are dedicated to stage 4 disease—making the Foundation the largest private funder of MBC research in the world.

Though there is no curative treatment for metastatic disease, Thurston finds hope in research. “I’m seeing a lot of research happen in correlation with AI. That gives me hope that we can find a cure faster,” she says. A new report on stage 4 disease noted significant improvement in survival rates thanks to new treatments.

“And that the future is really long and bright for all of us. Especially those of us who are stage 4,” she says.

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