Even rich and famous women develop breast cancer. The difference between them and us is that many have used their star-wattage to create or support organizations that encourage awareness of and research into this frightening disease.
1 Christina Applegate, 37
The Emmy-award winning actress, who plays the amnesia-ridden darling in Samantha Who? , was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 when she was only 36 years old. After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, the star partnered with a new cause, Right Action for Women Created for women who are at a high risk for breast cancer, the organization funds diagnostic MRIs, a test that may not be covered by insurance. “As a survivor," Applegate has said, "I am committed to helping women access the information and tests they need to beat this disease.”
2 Cynthia Nixon, 43
Best known as the spunky Miranda in Sex and the City, the actress was diagnosed at 42, while starring in the off-Broadway play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” then quietly had a lumpectomy and radiation. Nixon has served as an ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the
Cure and appeared in radio and television public service announcements. Nixon’s mother survived the disease twice, which made her aware of her higher chances of developing the cancer. “As a daughter of a breast cancer survivor,” Nixon has said, “knowing my personal risk made me more aware and more empowered when I faced my diagnosis.”
3 Sheryl Crow, 47
At age 44, Grammy award-winning singer Sheryl Crow underwent minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer. Involved in the Stand Up To
Cancer organization, which aims to raise funds for cancer research and new therapies, Crow once lobbied Congress in favor of a bill that would fund research into environmental links with the disease. Crow has said, “I want to know what causes this disease—for me and for the 2.3 million others who share this diagnosis.”
4 Olivia Newton-John, 61
The Australian singer-actress, whose breakout role was in the mega-hit film Grease, confronted breast cancer in the 1990s. John’s survival lead her to partner with the Austin Health care center in Australia and create the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Center (ONJCC) located in her hometown of Melbourne. The center provides a full range of services for cancer treatment, education and training. John has said, “I am committed and excited about educating and encouraging women to take a positive role in their breast health.”
5 Edie Falco, 46
The Nurse Jackie star and former Sopranos matriarch knows how to play a determined woman, both on and off screen. When she was diagnosed in 2003, Falco told herself, “I am a strong woman. I have resources to get good treatment, so why not me? Better me than some single mom of three. I can handle this.” Falco has appeared in national public service ads with actress Cynthia Nixon, for Stand Up To Cancer to help educate cancer patients about lowering the risks of infection during treatment.
6 Melissa Etheridge, 48
Rock goddess Melissa Etheridge is not shy about exposing her battles—and her breast cancer treatment was no exception. After receiving chemotherapy in 2005, Etheridge performed at the Grammy Awards—and triumphantly displayed her bald head and missing eyebrows."Chemotherapy tests your sanity,“ she has said. "It was very hard. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.. . .Yet there is an amazing clarity to it that I’m grateful for,” The singer donated the proceeds from her song I Run For Life to breast cancer charities and has a website page devoted to breast cancer awareness.
7 Kylie Minogue, 41
The Australian pop songstress was initially misdiagnosed and told she was “all right and had nothing to worry about,” just days before she went on her greatest hits tour. She was correctly diagnosed at 36, and properly treated. “I remember those days when you have come through the darkest time of life—so close to death—to re-emerge renewed into the technicolor of life.” Minogue has said, She has contributed to the fight by auctioning off her bras to raise money for breast cancer research.
8 Robin Roberts, 48
The ABC Good Morning America co-host didn’t expect that one day she would become a news story. In 2007, Roberts announced she was diagnosed with the disease and would begin treatment. She not only continued to co-anchor GMA, but openly shared her experiences for viewers to see, including her celebratory final day of chemotherapy. Roberts will lend her support to the fight by appearing as a guest announcer for a special Grand Ole Opry country music show Opry Goes Pink to promote research on the disease. Roberts, who first found a lump in her breast, has said, “I can’t express how important it is to do self breast exams.”
9 Maura Tierny, 44
After the former ER actress had a tumor removed in 2009, she withdrew from the upcoming NBC television series, Parenthood. However, her spokeswoman confirmed that Tierny’s doctors remain confident about her progress.Tierny herself has said, “I’m very optimistic about the outcome and look forward to going back to work soon.”
10 Suzanne Somers, 63
Being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 was a shocker to a woman who has built a career on self-help health and fitness remedies. Suzanne Somers, an actress, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, was criticized for choosing controversial alternative cancer treatments and opposing chemotherapy after she had a lumpectomy. “All my life my breasts have gotten me into trouble. When I was a model they were always too big and on Three’s Company I was queen of the jiggle. It just seems like my breasts are a big part of me, and once again here they are,” Somers once said.
11 Dorothy Hamill, 53
As an Olympic champion figure skater, Hamill won a slew of titles to her name—but breast cancer survivor was not one she sought. Diagnosed in 2007, Hamill has since returned to skating. Hamill found a new cause by speaking in national public service ads for the non-profit Cancer Project about how a healthy diet can help ward off the disease. Hamil has said, “Your body is an instrument of expression—and mine still has a lot to say.”
