TV actress Suzanne Somers died over the weekend at the age of 76 after a long fight with breast cancer.


Her death comes in the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time where the common cancer is on the mind's of many.

As Sarah Humphrey, the Executive Director of the Erie Cancer Wellness Center described, "Just hits home that, you know, everybody has the possibility of getting cancer."


Somers was best known for decades-long career on TV and film, but she was also known for her long battle with breast cancer.


Dan Tobin, the Director of Marketing and Communication for the American Cancer Society said, "With Suzanne Somers' passing away, it does bring to the forefront a little more about breast cancer and and it makes people a little more aware of it. And hopefully it makes them act and get the screenings that they should be getting."


Somers first got cancer as a young woman, but publicly battled breast cancer for the last several decades of her life. "I think it's great when we have people who are well known who can use their diagnosis as a way to let others know that there is help out there and that screenings are important. And that, again, it can happen to anyone", said Humphrey.


Tobin said yearly check-ups are things people can do now to prioritize their health, "At the American Cancer Society we advocate that once a woman hits age 40, she should have the ability to start regular routine breast screenings. By age 45, she should be getting a yearly mammogram. Now, with that said, based on family history, based on other risk factors, you know, you might want to start earlier. And that's where working with your your doctor comes into play. "


Tobin said no two patients are the same, which is why its vital for them to be their own advocates. " Because sometimes, you know, you don't fit the profile of somebody who is going to have something at a certain age doesn't mean it can't happen. So it is very, very imperative that you're your own advocate", said Tobin.


The Erie Cancer Wellness Center has an event coming up in November called the Beautiful You Event. It's an opportunity for women to learn how to style wigs or tie scarves if they are going through chemotherapy or cancer treatment.