Wanda Sykes Talks About Her Breast Cancer, Double Mastectomy on Ellen DeGeneres Show

Comedienne and actress Wanda Sykes announced that she had breast cancer and a double mastectomy earlier this year when she appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show.

Clips of the interview, which will air Monday, were posted online.

Sykes told DeGeneres about getting a breast reduction surgery in Feb. and then later finding out she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in her left breast, which she pointed out is stage zero cancer.

But cancer is cancer, she said.

Sykes had the option of getting regular checkups and mammograms and MRIs.

But I'm not good at keeping on top of stuff, Sykes told DeGeneres. I'm sure I'm overdue for an oil change and a teeth cleaning already.

So she opted to have a double mastectomy, the same procedure actress Christina Applegate had in 2008.

It sounds scary upfront, Sykes said. But what do you want? Do you want to wait and not be as fortunate when it comes back and it's too late?

She explained her hesitancy to talk about her breast cancer ordeal.

How many things could I have? Black, then lesbian. I can't be the poster child for everything, she said, to laughter and applause from the audience. At least with the LGBT issues we get a parade, a float, and it's a party. I was real hesitant about doing this cause I hate walking. I got a lot of walks coming up.