Attitude is key During a four-month period in 2012, stand-up comedian Tig Notaro developed breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, lost her mother, developed pneumonia, and also went through other significant life changes. Shortly after, she changed her comedy act to include descriptions of her ordeal and disease process. Her presentations have entertained and enthralled audiences and catapulted her career to new heights. They also appear to have played a role in helping her to fight her medical problems and regain her health.