Flotus visit puts spotlight on World Cancer Day

First lady Jill Biden made a virtual visit to the National Cancer Institute where she thanked researchers for their efforts in the fight against the disease one day ahead of World Cancer Day.

"The first time I heard the diagnosis for someone I loved, I was in my early forties," she said.

"And the year it happened, not one, but actually four of my friends, found out that they had breast cancer. And cancer, took the life of both my parents," Biden said.

President Joe Biden and the first lady also lost their son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer when he was 46-years-old.

"Cancer touches us all," she said. "And because of that, your work touches us all."

During her virtual visit, the first lady heard from three researchers at the National Cancer Institute, who told her about patient outreach and engagement, cellular immunotherapy and NCI's role this past year in evaluating antibody tests for COVID-19.

The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health,and it's the federal government's main agency for cancer research and training.

"Cancer doesn't stop for COVID," she said in prepared remarks. "On behalf of every family who has faced cancer and a very grateful nation, thank you."

(Image Credit: AP)