Celebrities with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the more common types of cancer, affecting one in eight women. Tumors can often go unnoticed, and because of the hereditary nature of this cancer, lifestyle has little effect over the development of the disease. Because of this, no amount of fame or money can guard against the development of breast cancer. Read about prominent women who have suffered and overcome the disease, and are active in promoting cancer research and education.
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Christina Applegate
Although doctors only found cancer in one breast, Christina chose to have a double mastectomy. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor, and so Christina went into “survivor mode,” immediately switching to a healthy diet and underwent surgery. She has since participated in several charity events to raise money for cancer education and research.
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Sheryl Crow
The country music singer began raising money and awareness for cancer even before her own diagnosis in 2006. She underwent minimally invasive surgery and radiation, and now embraces a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep her cancer away.
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Cynthia Nixon
The Sex and the City star initially avoided going public about her diagnosis because of the stigma involved. But after announcing that she had breast cancer two years after the fact, she has since become a breast cancer activist. Like many other breast cancer victims, Cynthia’s mother also battled the disease.
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Kylie Minogue
The Australian singer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, treating it with surgery and chemotherapy. Kylie urges others to take responsibility for their own health—she was misdiagnosed initially and told that she was healthy. Minogue persisted in getting an accurate diagnosis for the lump found in her breast, and it was only after this second investigation that her tumor was detected. Kylie advises others to be wary of blindly following doctors.
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Olivia Newton John
The Grease star and singer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. After surgery and chemotherapy, Olivia retreated to Australia to recuperate. During this hiatus, Olivia recorded Gaia, One Woman's Journey, an intensely personal and upbeat album. Olivia chose to talk about her experiences with breast cancer so that other women could see the importance of early detection and that survival is possible.
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Carly Simon
Simon underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery for her breast cancer during 1997 and 1998. There had been a lump in her breast for several years before then, but her doctors initially advised her against surgery. She regrets not treating her cancer earlier, but still succeeded in removing her tumors.
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Dame Maggie Smith
When the 73-year-old actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she insisted on filming her sixth appearance as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. After having the lump removed, Smith had chemotherapy and radiation treatments while filming the movie.
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Jaclyn Smith
The former Charlie’s Angel battled breast cancer in 2003. She is now involved in “Strength in Knowing,” an online support system for women struggling with cancer. In 2010, Smith, along with Olivia Newton-John, was featured in 1 a Minute, a documentary about breast cancer.
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Suzanne Somers
The actress and author was the source of much controversy when she decided to forgo standard cancer treatment in favor of alternative therapy and holistic medicine. She wrote Knockout to promote alternative treatments to chemotherapy, which received criticism from the American Cancer Society.
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Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem, now considered one of the original voices of the women’s liberation movement, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986. Despite her disease, she continued to give speeches, write, and involve herself in politics.
More Information
Early detection is vital in the fight against breast cancer, so it is important to know the warning signs, perform regular self-exams, and learn to identify the causes and symptoms of breast cancer.
If you do find yourself one of the one in eight women who is diagnosed with the disease, find the right support.
