Barbara Walters reveals details of her breast cancer scare

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, often a time when celebrities speak publicly about how breast cancer has impacted their own personal lives. On Thursday, at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon, Barbara Walters revealed some intimate details about a breast cancer scare she had in the past -- an experience she's kept private until now.

"Some years back -- more than five now -- I discovered a small lump in my own breast," Walters told the audience. "Under the expert care of Dr. Larry Norton, I had a lumpectomy. I haven't talked about it. There was no reason to," she said.

"There were other choices that were possible. This was mine. I told few people and I am fine, I've had no recurrence. Nor was I worried, because I knew that the advances that had been made in treating breast cancer, including lumpectomies, were possible. I can remember when such treatments were not available. Research made my treatment possible."

Walters, who turned 85 last month, retired as co-host of her daytime talk show "The View" in May.

At the luncheon, Walters was awarded the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award for her long-term contributions to women's health. This year, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation announced they are dedicating $58.6 million to breast cancer research, and have already awarded grants to more than 220 physicians and scientists committed to the future of breast cancer research.

Watch the video above to see her poignant speech, courtesy of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.