These Celebrities Have Faced Breast Cancer Head-On

Anyone battling cancer knows those days when feelings of fear and hopeless are common.

That’s exactly why Jaclyn Smith – a breast cancer survivor, herself – has connected with Strength in Knowing to promote the mutual support and education online site at CancerConnect. The group format is designed to serve those battling cancer along with their family and friends. CancerConnect offers information, resources, and mutual support within its community (DEMKO).

To access that site, you’re required to join. This process is free and easy.

Promising and improving breast cancer statistics

Breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in the past few decades. This is due to a combination of many things—heightened awareness, more research, smarter and more unique approaches to treatment, early detection, and clinical trials, to name a few.

Even though breast cancer outlook is improving, there are still over 250,000 women and 2,000 men diagnosed per year, with almost 10% of those having a link to genetic mutations. The fight is improving, but the war is not over.

There are many things you can do to fight against breast cancer—you can donate, join clinical trials if you’re eligible, and advocate for honest breast cancer charities.

Support is paramount

Support for one another helps the healing process. Although one-on-one contact isn’t possible for us when the person is a public figure, there are some things we might do to show our caring.

Like raising funds in that person’s honor to be used for breast cancer research, for example. Money could come from a bake-sale, neighborhood yard sale, or perhaps even a community-wide event. Identify a good organizer within your circle and enlist them to share their skills for a good cause.

Mental and emotional support are just as important

Aside from physical support, mental and emotional support is invaluable. Even though she might not say it, your loved one needs you now more than ever. The best way to show your support is to simply be there for her. Be there when she goes for her treatments. Be there when she has tough medical decisions to make. Be there when she needs someone to hug or talk to. She needs to know that not even a cancer diagnosis can break the bond you two share!

Sage advice from celebrities who have fought the battle

The ‘take-aways’ from these spirited women are:

• “Give and receive mutual support at Cancerconnect,” says Jaclyn Smith.
• “Learn all you can about your type and stage of breast cancer, so you are equipped to make your own medical choices,” says Angelina Jolie.
• "Nutrition, nutrition. Eat your fruits and vegetables,” says Melissa Etheridge
• “Stay confident,” says Olivia Newton-John.
• “Fight!” says Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
• “I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and trust their instincts if something doesn't 'feel' right,” says Rita Wilson.

Read on to learn more about these inspirational women, and discover the advice they have to offer those who are on their own breast cancer journey.

Photo credit: Angelina Jolie arriving by Photo & Commonwealth Office, Olivia Newton John and John "Amazon John" Easterling by Eva Rinaldi, 144721_MP4_6539 by Disney | ABC Television Group