Q&A with former KSEE24 anchor Stefani Booroojian

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Early detection is key in combating any cancer, but certainly for breast cancer, and that’s why programs like KSEE’s Buddy Check 24 program are so important.

MedWatch host Brent Cannon sat down with former KSEE24 anchor and Buddy Check host Stefani Booroojian. Although she recently retired, her legacy in the Valley includes decades as a host and advocate for breast self-exams and early detection programs.

Q: Cannon
Do you remember when you first got involved with Buddy Check 24? I mean, in the very beginning. What was it like?

A: Booroojian
It actually was an assignment, and at that time there was a national movement about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We launched the program in October. The whole Pink Ribbon movement, everything was kind of evolving at that time.

Q: Cannon
Did you have any idea what it would become and the impact that it would have? Way back in those days.

A: Booroojian
I really had no idea. Obviously, it’s a very personal and private matter. But I think women soon understood the importance of sharing their stories because it would help other women.

Q: Cannon
You can see the results on a large scale, but you also heard individual stories. People have spoken to you and told you things. What are some of the things they have said to you?

A: Booroojian
I’ve heard so many amazing stories. So many women who were brave and came forward to tell their stories. Some are survivors today. Others told their story but didn’t make it. I remember one woman who sent me a letter, and told me that Buddy Check had saved her life. She said that she was actually watching TV and saw one of our TV segments. She’s like, “Oh, yeah, I’ve got to do my exam.” Did her self-exam and found a lump, and it ended up being cancer.
That was when it was like, “Wow, this program is a life-saving program.” Honestly, I’m so proud to be associated with a program like that.

Q: Cannon
So, now you’re retired but now the torch gets passed and somebody else is still going to do that. The importance of this, the work, the message still needs to get out there.

A: Booroojian
And I’m so glad because we’re asking women to take care of their health every month. It should be a part of their health routine. It’s a lifelong health habit, and we need to continue that important message, especially for women under 40 who don’t go yet for their yearly mammograms.

Q: Cannon
If there’s one last thing we could ask you, what would you tell the audience right now? What would you say to them?

A: Booroojian
I would just say to do a self-exam again. It’s a very important part of taking care of our health, and we can’t forget to do it.

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