UPDATE : 21 Celebrities With Breast Cancer

**21 Celebrities Who Have Battled Breast Cancer**

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. While this diagnosis can be difficult, many celebrities have used their platform to raise awareness, share their experiences, and inspire others to stay hopeful and get screened. Here’s a look at 21 famous individuals who have publicly battled breast cancer, demonstrating strength, courage, and the power of early detection.

### 1. **Sheryl Crow**
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. After undergoing surgery and radiation, she became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, encouraging women to get regular screenings and to live a healthy lifestyle.

### 2. **Kylie Minogue**
Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She took a break from her music career to undergo treatment, but she made a remarkable recovery and became an advocate for early detection and support for those going through treatment.

### 3. **Christina Applegate**
The actress best known for her role in *Married with Children* was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. After testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, Applegate opted for a double mastectomy. Since her recovery, she has been an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness.

### 4. **Angelina Jolie**
Although not a breast cancer diagnosis, actress Angelina Jolie made headlines when she underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Jolie’s decision raised awareness about genetic risks and preventive surgery, sparking an important conversation around hereditary breast cancer.

### 5. **Giuliana Rancic**
Television personality Giuliana Rancic was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2011. She underwent a double mastectomy and later shared her journey with the public. Rancic has been a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, especially through her work with the Giuliana Rancic Foundation.

### 6. **Suzanne Somers**
Actress Suzanne Somers, best known for *Three’s Company*, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. She made the controversial decision to pursue alternative treatments instead of traditional chemotherapy, sparking a debate on breast cancer treatment options. Somers has written about her experiences and supported others in their cancer journeys.

### 7. **Shannon Doherty**
Actress Shannon Doherty, who starred in *Beverly Hills, 90210* and *Charmed*, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She bravely shared her battle with the disease and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Doherty has been candid about her struggles and continues to inspire fans with her courage.

### 8. **Cynthia Nixon**
Cynthia Nixon, known for her role in *Sex and the City*, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy and has been an advocate for early detection and the importance of regular screenings.

### 9. **Brett Favre’s Mother, Bonita Favre**
Bonita Favre, the mother of NFL legend Brett Favre, was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away in 2011. Favre has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness, raising funds and supporting various initiatives in her mother’s memory.

### 10. **Melissa Etheridge**
Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Etheridge continues to be a vocal advocate for cancer research and the importance of both physical and emotional healing.

### 11. **Meryl Streep**
Meryl Streep’s mother, Mary Streep, fought breast cancer and passed away from the disease. Streep has used her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer and honor her mother’s memory, promoting research and supporting those affected by the disease.

### 12. **Nancy Brinker**
Nancy Brinker, the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 1982. She started the organization to honor her sister, Susan G. Komen, who passed away from breast cancer, and it has since become one of the largest and most recognized cancer organizations in the world.

### 13. **Hoda Kotb**
TV host Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent a mastectomy. She’s been open about her journey, emphasizing the importance of early detection and self-care.

### 14. **Robin Roberts**
Good Morning America host Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She underwent a successful battle against the disease, followed by a bone marrow transplant for another health issue. Roberts’ public battle with both breast cancer and her subsequent illness inspired millions, with her sharing the emotional ups and downs of her health journey.

### 15. **Julianna Margulies**
Actress Julianna Margulies, best known for her role in *The Good Wife*, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. She underwent treatment and later became a vocal supporter of breast cancer research.

### 16. **Olivia Newton-John**
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John battled breast cancer on and off for over 30 years, with her initial diagnosis occurring in 1992. She became a staunch advocate for cancer research and founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.

### 17. **Evelyn Lauder**
Evelyn Lauder, the co-founder of the Estee Lauder Companies, was instrumental in creating the iconic pink ribbon campaign for breast cancer awareness. Lauder, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011, had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989, and her efforts raised millions of dollars for research.

### 18. **Barbara Mandrell**
Country music legend Barbara Mandrell was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. She opted for a mastectomy and has since advocated for breast cancer awareness through various campaigns.

### 19. **Kathy Bates**
Actress Kathy Bates, known for roles in *Misery* and *Titanic*, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. Bates underwent a mastectomy and became a strong advocate for cancer research and the importance of screening. She later also became a voice for ovarian cancer awareness after being diagnosed with the disease.

### 20. **Denise Austin**
Fitness guru Denise Austin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. After treatment, Austin turned her focus to health and fitness advocacy, helping others stay active and healthy as part of their recovery process.

### 21. **Marie Curie**
Although best known for her pioneering work in radiation science, Marie Curie’s discovery of radium led to her suffering from various health complications, including leukemia, which ultimately took her life. Curie’s scientific contributions have been significant in the study of cancer and its treatment.

### Conclusion

These celebrities have not only overcome breast cancer but have used their visibility to inspire and encourage millions of others. Their courage, advocacy, and stories have highlighted the importance of early detection, research, and the support that those affected by breast cancer need. Whether through personal battles or fundraising efforts, they have helped to shine a light on a disease that affects millions worldwide, and their stories continue to inspire hope and strength.