Meet this Group of Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors
Meet this Group of Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors
The lives of celebrities may seem glamorous and perfect on the outside, but they are human beings like the rest of us and vulnerable to cancer like everyone else. Fame doesn't make you immune to breast cancer.
Fortunately, celebrities are in the position to spark change. Many are leveraging their fame to help raise awareness and funds for their cause. Here is a group of celebrity survivors who have helped to raise awareness on the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, inspiring women all around the world:
Christina Applegate
Actress Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, at the age of 38. Upon discovering that she was a carrier of the BRCA gene, she underwent a double mastectomy in order to prevent relapse. Applegate shared her story with the general public on Oprah and since her diagnosis, she has founded her own charity – Right Action for Women (RAW). The charity aims to help women receive proper screening for the prevention of breast cancer.
Peggy Fleming
Olympic skater Peggy Fleming was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, at the age of 49. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation. Today, Fleming is a winemaker whose proceeds are donated to breast cancer research and awareness. “I can change the future. I can’t change the past,” she said.
Diahann Carroll
Actress Diahann Carroll was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. Since her diagnosis, she has been using her fame to empower and educate women on the importance of screenings and early detection of breast cancer. “I feared for my life, and then for my career, but I learned that it helps to turn fear into action,” said Carroll.
Cynthia Nixon
Actress Cynthia Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She publicly shared her story on Good Morning America in 2008. Since her diagnosis, Nixon has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Olivia Newton-John
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 1992. Today, she is a dedicated advocate for breast cancer and a product spokesperson. She is also a general advocate for holistic health.
Edie Falco
Actress Edie Falco was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in 2003. While working on The Sopranos, she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Since her diagnosis, Falco has become an active member in raising awareness and fundraising for breast cancer.
Robin Roberts
Television broadcaster Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She publicly shared her experience with the disease on Good Morning America and shocked viewers when she decided to stop wearing a wig to hide her baldness from chemotherapy. “I am not my hair. I am the soul that lies within and that’s it – no more wig. That’s it,” she said. Today, Roberts is in remission and she continues to remain an activist for breast cancer awareness.
Melissa Etheridge
Singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Shortly after her diagnosis, she bravely revealed her bald head at the Grammys. Today, Etheridge is a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness and she performs for several fundraisers.
Maggie Smith
Actress Maggie Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. While filming Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, she was undergoing chemotherapy. Since her diagnosis, Smith has continued to pursue her acting career. “The last couple of years have been a write-off, though I’m beginning to feel like a person now. My energy is coming back. S*** happens. I ought to pull myself together a bit,” she said.
Kathy Bates
Actress Kathy Bates was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2012. She underwent a double mastectomy and following her operation, she tweeted – “I don’t miss my breasts as much as I miss Harry’s Law.”
Read on to learn about even more famous women who have beaten breast cancer.
Photos: Christina Applegate & Ron Perlman by Gage Skidmore; 100Years_5815 by Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York; 20111220 BETTY-85 by Marnie Joyce
References
http://www.tvovermind.com/entertainment-news/20-celebrities-strange-diseases
https://parade.com/79297/parade/celebrity-breast-cancer-survivors-2/
https://www.today.com/slideshow/famous-breast-cancer-survivors-36429322
