Hoda Kotb — who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent a mastectomy — opened up to PEOPLE about how she never saw her diagnosis coming as someone who lived a healthy lifestyle.

Hoda Kotb offered some words of wisdom for people with cancer during a recent event celebrating those who have braved their way through breast cancer diagnoses. Kotb, who retired from her long-running Today show co-hosting gig in January,

Hoda Kotb, now 60, was diagnosed 18 years ago after finding a lump and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in March 2007

Hoda Kotb has spoken of the importance at refusing to let breast cancer define her as she reflected on being diagnosed with the disease in 2007.

Hoda Kotb refused to let breast cancer define her. The 60-year-old star was diagnosed with the disease back in 2007 - undergoing a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery - but didn't want the illness to overwhelm her even though it changed her life.