11 celebrities who've shared their breast cancer journeys: What you need to know
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to learn more about the disease and how to detect it.
Breast cancer can appear in one or both breasts and includes symptoms such as lumps, swelling, irritation and redness.
It is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide, with over 27,000 Canadian women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 alone.
Below, we’ve rounded up 11 celebrities who have opened up about their breast cancer journeys.
1. Katie Couric
In September 2022, Katie Couric published an essay discussing her recent breast cancer diagnosis.
After undergoing surgery and radiation treatment, Couric reported that she was doing well.
The journalist has been an advocate for cancer research and screening since her husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer in 1998.
2. Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She discovered a lump in preparation for one of her segments on "Good Morning America."
The newscaster successfully completed a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, only to be diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012.
Her long-time partner, Amber Laign, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2022. Roberts has taken time off to help care for her.
3. Miranda McKeon
Star of the Canadian series "Anne with an E," Miranda McKeon was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 19 after discovering an unusual lump in her breast.
The actress quickly received three surgeries and began chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
It's rare for a woman to be diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age. However, in May 2022 McKeon announced that her cancer's in remission.
4. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer three times, first when she was 44 and again at 64 and 68.
When the "Grease" star revealed her third diagnosis, she explained that the cancer had spread to her bones.
After three decades as an advocate for breast cancer awareness, she died in August 2022 at age 73.
5. Hoda Kotb
Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, Hoda Kotb underwent a mastectomy.
While working through her treatment plan, the journalist has been open about her struggles with recovery.
In particular, she found the bodily scarring and fertility challenges to be the most difficult. She is now cancer-free.
6. Matthew Knowles
When it comes to being diagnosed with breast cancer, men account for less than one per cent of all cases.
However, Matthew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé, revealed his diagnosis in 2020 in hopes that other men would screen themselves for symptoms.
Fortunately, Knowles' cancer was detected early and he underwent a mastectomy to remove the disease.
7. Mandy Gonzalez
"Hamilton" actress Mandy Gonzalez refused to allow breast cancer to halt her career.
After being diagnosed in 2019, she continued performing while undergoing chemotherapy.
Gonzalez credits breast cancer researchers for giving her hope and helping her move forward after her diagnosis.
8. Chaunté Lowe
Olympic high jumper Chaunté Lowe was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of breast cancer in June 2019.
She later explained that she had a double mastectomy, along with chemotherapy and radiation, to help improve her chances of survival.
Lowe trained during her treatment and has made it her mission to raise funds for cancer research.
9. Christina Applegate
Actress Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
She chose to have a double mastectomy and made major lifestyle changes to better her health.
Applegate is also the founder of Right Action for Women. The organization helps provide resources and funding for at-risk women to receive MRI screenings and testing.
10. Sarah Harding
Sarah Harding, a member of the English-Irish pop girl group Girls Aloud, revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in August 2020.
She described her breast cancer journey in the memoir Hear Me Out.
Harding also explained that her prognosis might have been better with earlier detection.
She died in September 2021 at the age of 39.
11. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
"Veep" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2017.
She had a double mastectomy and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy before announcing that she was cancer-free.
Louis-Dreyfus has been open about her breast cancer experience and the gratitude for the support of her family and friends.
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