Actress Katherine LaNasa, 58, has opened up about how her personal battle with breast cancer inspired her portrayal of Nurse Dana on the hit series Pete. In a heartfelt interview with Women’s Health magazine, LaNasa shared how the nurses who cared for her during treatment became the blueprint for her character and even influenced specific scenes in the show.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
LaNasa first discovered she had dense breast tissue in her early 30s, a condition that can make mammograms less effective in detecting cancer. This awareness led her to undergo regular mammograms, though initial results were inconclusive.
In early 2023, despite feeling “better than ever” and looking “happy and healthy,” her annual mammogram revealed she had stage 1 breast cancer. The news hit her hard, but LaNasa maintained a positive outlook: “My first thought was ‘Why not me?’ instead of ‘Why me?’” This mindset helped her stay strong throughout her treatment.
Treatment and Support
Her cancer had not spread, and her BRCA gene test was negative, making the disease more manageable. After surgery in March 2023, LaNasa completed three weeks of radiation therapy.
It was during this time that the care and kindness of nurses deeply touched her. Small acts, like a nurse bringing her a warm blanket during a scan, made her feel cared for and empowered. LaNasa shared this personal experience with the writers of Pete, leading to a scene where her character Dana offers a warm blanket to a struggling patient—an intimate detail drawn directly from real life.
Another pivotal moment for LaNasa was when a nurse comforted her during a difficult post-treatment phase, empathizing and assuring her that the initial six months after cancer are especially tough but will improve. This compassion inspired LaNasa to embody that same empathy in her character.
Returning to a Hospital Setting
Initially, LaNasa felt apprehensive about working in a hospital environment on set due to the emotional and physical weight of her cancer journey. “When I first walked onto the set, I was a little terrified, but I was like, ‘You’ve got to put your big girl pants on.’” She soon adapted, finding the experience creatively fulfilling.
A Tribute to Caregivers
For LaNasa, playing Nurse Dana became a way to give back and honor the kindness she received. “My goal was for Dana to be a love letter to all the people who treated me so kindly, lovingly, and thoughtfully when I was going through cancer,” she said.
Related topics:
- Menopause Drug Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth, Study Finds
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Treatment Achieves 100% Survival
- Gigi Hadid: Breast Reduction Helped My Chronic Illness
