Celebrities with Breast Cancer

By: Charlene Nuble

There is no discrimination when it comes to breast cancer. Anyone can be a victim of this dreaded disease; whether you’re rich or poor, young and old. Despite the increasing number of breast cancer patients worldwide, these celebrities with breast cancer can serve as your inspiration because they were able to survive.

Famous survivors of breast cancer:

1. Edie Falco – the breast cancer was diagnosed in 2003; this soprano star secretly battled against this dreaded disease and was able to survive.

2. Melissa Etheridge – her breast cancer was discovered in 2004 and at present, she is doing quite well.

3. Gloria Steinem – a lump on her breast was discovered in 1984; she was an activist and because she is a natural fighter, she was able to combat breast cancer.

4. Kate Jackson – it was in 1987 and 1989 when Kate battled against this disease. She was a star in Charlie’s Angels

5. Richard Roundtree – women are not the only ones at risk of breast cancer, even men can get it like Roundtree. His cancer was detected in 1993 and he underwent chemotherapy and radical mastectomy

6. Olivia Newton John – it was in 1992 when she was diagnosed with the disease. She underwent breast reconstruction and mastectomy.

7. Jaclyn Smith – also a Charlie’s Angels star was diagnosed with the disease in 2002. The treatments given were radiation and lumpectomy.

8. Suzanne Somers – actress and author was also diagnosed with cancer but she did not choose the standard medication; instead, she opted for holistic medicine and alternative therapies

9. Sandra Day O’Connor – she battled against this disease in 1982 and underwent mastectomy

10. Anastacia – in 2003, she was diagnosed with the disease and was able to survive; now, she is helping other patients in fighting against this disease and she is also raising the awareness of the public about breast cancer.

These are only ten of the survivors of breast cancer. Other survivors include Rue McClanahan, Linda Ellerbee, Jill Eikenberry, Ann Jillian, Lynn Redgrave, Cokie Roberts, and Shirley Temple Black. These breast cancer patients used conventional treatments as well as alternative treatments. Oftentimes, the type of medication or treatment given is dependent on the extent of the cancer. If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of survival is also high.

It is vital that you conduct self examinations. If you feel any lump on your breast, it’s time to consult a doctor; by doing so, you can get accurate diagnosis. After thorough examinations, the patient will be given a treatment plan. Some breast cancer patients forego with conventional medical treatments and tend to go for alternative medicines or therapy.

As you can see, even celebrities are not exempted from developing breast cancer. If celebrities can get it, then so can you! There are millions of non celebrities suffering from breast cancer. Let the stories of these celebrities who survive breast cancer serve as inspiration especially if you’re also suffering from this disease.

Early detection is important so you must regularly check your breast area for any lumps or unusual bumps. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re suspicious about certain lumps in your breast. There are lots of celebrities with breast cancer; if they can fight this disease, then so can you.