Top-ranking Navy admiral announces she’s cancer-free after breast cancer treatment

Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s highest-ranking admiral, is cancer-free after recently undergoing several weeks of treatment for breast cancer, her office announced Friday.

Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in June during a routine mammogram, according to Cmdr. Desiree Frame, a spokeswoman for the admiral.

Franchetti underwent outpatient surgery in July, which Frame said was successful. During the operation, her authority was temporarily transferred to Adm. James Kilby, deputy chief of naval operations.

Franchetti has already completed radiotherapy. In September, she began maintenance endocrine therapy, which is used to prevent or delay relapses.

“I am grateful to my amazing team of doctors at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center for their excellent care and for developing a treatment plan that allows me to continue to lead the greatest Navy in the world,” Franchetti said in a prepared statement. “I am blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening.”

Franchetti is serving as the Navy’s 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, a position she has held since November 2, 2023. She is the first woman to hold the position.