Breast cancer: two words all women fear hearing. But regardless of the stigma surrounding those words, there is always hope. And though many women all over the world have survived breast cancer, there are also celebrities in the spotlight who have looked cancer square in the eye and declared survival is most certainly an option, inspiring countless others with their bravery. By deciding to go public with their breast cancer diagnoses, these stars have spread awareness and given hope to millions of other women.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. These facts are devastating reminders about what we're up against, and we can use all the help we can get to spread the word about this vicious disease.
These women used their celebrity platforms to share the stories of their diagnosis and treatment, as well as the importance of self-breast examinations and regular mammograms, which can help with early detection.
Read on for the details about their experiences, strength, hope, and courage fighting breast cancer. We can all learn a lot from their stories.
Robin Roberts
Good Morning America host Robin Roberts found a lump in her breast during a self-exam, and has spent countless hours on air since encouraging women to stay on top of their own monthly self-exams. Robin openly discussed the depression she felt post-chemo with Prevention magazine, showing us all a side of cancer few talk about. No wonder she's one of the most beloved journalists on morning TV.
Angelina Jolie
Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie is no stranger to cancer; she lost her mother, grandmother, and aunt to the illness. So when she tested positive for the breast cancer gene, she took no chances and immediately underwent a double mastectomy. Angelina wrote about the experience for the New York Times. Two years later, she penned a second article about her decision to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes after tests revealed she had an increased chance of developing ovarian cancer. According to a study, her decision to go public increased awareness, prompting researchers to call it the "Angelina effect."
Giuliana Rancic
One of the most beloved television personalities ever, Guiliana Rancic made her breast cancer revelation on the Today show in 2011. She was only 37 at the time and used her platform to urge young women to have early mammogram screenings. Today, she is the founder of Fab-U-Wish, a grant-wishing charity for women receiving breast cancer treatment.
Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate went public with her decision to undergo a double mastectomy after her cancer diagnosis revealed she was positive for the BRCA gene. The actress later appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to break down the stigma surrounding the surgery, famously telling Oprah "they can make pretty boobies."
In 2017, Christina told Today.com that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure against ovarian cancer. "My cousin passed away from ovarian cancer in 2008," she said. "I could prevent that. That's how I've taken control of everything. It's a relief. That's one other thing off the table. Now let's hope I don't get hit by a bus."
Sheryl Crow
Rocker Sheryl Crow released a 2006 statement, announcing both her breast cancer diagnosis and her plans to undergo surgery. She said in an interview with Extra that it would have been impossible to go public and not talk about prevention, given the platform she has. Yet another reason we love her!
In August 2016, with more than 10 years cancer-free under belt, Sheryl shared at the #BlogHer16 expo just how much her diagnosis changed her life. "I really refined my life," she told reporters. "I began to really hack away at the things that were not important anymore and the things that were energy sucking. I learned how to say no."
Rita Wilson
In 2015, Rita Wilson shared her breast cancer diagnosis in an exclusive statement to People. Having since undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, she now uses her experience to urge women to seek multiple opinions when dealing with the illness. The actress credits her second opinion for finding her cancer at an early stage.
Suzanne Somers
After battling tabloid rumors regarding her weight, Suzanne Somers publicly set the record straight by announcing she had breast cancer on Larry King Live. Since then, her holistic treatment method has been scrutinized by cancer experts as being dangerous and reckless. The backlash has led the fitness guru to invest in research that focuses on alternative cancer treatments.
Melissa Etheridge
After announcing her diagnosis in 2005, rocker Melissa Etheridge performed at the Grammys with a perfectly bald head, proving nothing could slow her down. Her performance raised awareness and sparked conversations about what the face of cancer really looks like.
Edie Falco
Unlike the others, Sopranos actress Edie Falco kept her diagnosis a secret from everyone (including her costars) until it was gone. Eventually, Edie opened up about her experience and the path it led her on, since it was this scary experience that prompted her to begin the process of adopting a child.
Kathy Bates
After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, American Horror Story actress Kathy Bates revealed to People that she had breast cancer. The star has since been vocal about her struggle with lymphedema, a diagnosis that stems from her breast cancer surgery, and even became the national spokeswoman for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.
Wanda Sykes
Funny lady Wanda Sykes spoke candidly about her breast cancer diagnosis on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2011, noting that she'd been diagnosed with "stage zero," and revealing her decision to undergo a double mastectomy. She claimed the surgery gave her the best chance at living cancer-free.
Shannen Doherty
Actress Shannen Doherty, best known for her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, announced her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, at the age of 43. Soon after, she revealed to Entertainment Tonight that her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent treatment and went into remission in 2017, but since then, she has relapsed. In early 2020, she revealed that her cancer has returned and is now stage 4.
Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll admitted to wanting to keep her illness secret after she was diagnosed in the 1990s. In an episode of Oprah's Master Class, she said she didn't want to be known for her cancer. Later, she realized it was her responsibility to speak out about her diagnosis and help raise awareness.
Dame Maggie Smith
Proving her dedication to her craft, Dame Maggie Smith continued filming Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince while receiving chemotherapy treatment. The incredibly private star later admitted to The Times that the process made her question her ability to continue her career.
Hoda Kotb
Bubbly TV host Hoda Kotb has never been silent about her breast cancer journey. In fact, she allowed Today show cameras to film her treatments for a docuseries that aired once she was cancer-free. These days, she helps fellow survivors come to terms with their bodies post-cancer and advocates for a cure on behalf of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Kylie Minogue
At just 37, Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer while on her Showgirl world tour. Two years later, she revealed on Ellen that her cancer was originally misdiagnosed.
In February 2016, she took to Instagram in celebration of 10 years cancer-free. "Today marks my official 10 year 'all clear' from breast cancer," she wrote. "Naturally, my nearest and dearest were at the forefront of my mind. Thoughts of all those who are making their way towards this landmark, those who are past the landmark, and of those who we sadly miss."
Sandra Lee
Food Network star Sandra Lee revealed her diagnosis during a Good Morning America interview with Robin Roberts (also a breast cancer survivor). Through her journey, she used her social media channels to share the truth about living with the illness. Today she is cancer-free and uses her voice to encourage women in their 20s to be aware of the disease.
Sandra was recognized by the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and named a spokesperson for Stand Up to Cancer and was honored on Capitol Hill with the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award.
Katie Couric
Longtime news anchor Katie Couric revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2022, and was in the process of treating the cancer with surgery and radiation.
"I just feel super lucky that it was diagnosed when it was, that I went even though I was late, that I went when I did," she said.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
In 2020, Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus told People that she relied heavily on her loved ones to get her through after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2017.
"I was surrounded by people who were supporting me," she said. "That was hugely meaningful, and I needed it. It helped me to believe I was going to get through."
