BOSTON -- When my phone rang at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, I could only assume it was bad news. Indeed it was. A producer from the station called to make sure I was watching "Good Morning America." Robin Roberts, the warm and likeable co-host, was announcing she had breast cancer. My heart sank, tears filled my eyes. The epidemic continues.

I thought back to January when Roberts interviewed me for "GMA" one week after my mastectomy. She was so kind and thorough with her questions. I was grateful for the national forum to reach out to other -- especially young -- women about the importance of early detection. After the interview, I was told Roberts wanted to speak to me personally during the commercial. She wished me good luck with my treatments and told me she would continue to follow my progress.

Now, I am sending the same good thoughts to her. I wrote Roberts an e-mail Tuesday morning and told her I, along with thousands of survivors across the country, wish her strength through treatment and offer any support she needs.

In Roberts' message, she paid tribute to "GMA" movie critic Joel Siegel, who raised so much awareness about colon cancer. Eerily, it was Siegel’s death that prompted Roberts to do a self-exam. Siegel's openness may have very well saved Roberts' life. Roberts' decision to go public will undoubtedly save lives, as well. Screenings for breast cancer are not perfect, but they are the best tools we have to survive this disease. Women should start asking doctors about mammograms by age 40. All women should do monthly self exams and report any changes to their doctors. You do not need to have a family history to be at risk for this disease.

We have come so far in this national battle with a stubborn and persistent enemy. Cancer is no longer a word to be whispered or a sickness to be fought in secret. I love that Roberts wrote that after she found the lump, "I faced my fear head on and made an appointment to see the doctor."

Many of you know, just that call takes so much courage. Robin will need more courage in the days and months ahead. Even with a lot of support, cancer can be a lonely battle.

I wish Roberts did not have to join this club. But I am so proud that she has decided to speak out about her diagnosis. From what she has indicated, her cancer is in the early stage. That should mean her prognosis is good.

I continue to be horrified at the number of women I hear about each week who are newly diagnosed. As I plug along in treatment, my thoughts are gravitating to the whys of breast cancer.

Why are so many women being diagnosed today? Is there an environmental link? I emceed a fundraiser last week for the Newton-based Silent Spring Institute. You can check out their Web site for imformation about the latest research on the environmental links to breast cancer. There is also a national bill, the Breast Cancer Environmental Research Bill, seeking to do major studies on this same issue. It's currently stalled on Capitol Hill.

Treatments are better, but we need a cure. Roberts' diagnosis proves once again no one is immune to this disease. My heart aches today, but I am more determined to help others detect this disease early to survive. And I know we have to find a cure before my baby girls grow up.