Ever since Angelina Jolie elected to have a double mastectomy instead of facing an 87% risk of developing breast cancer, the topic of cancer awareness was once again front and center in the public eye. Far from being the first to act against the disease, Jolie joins an impressive roster of women who have fought back against breast cancer and won.
While there are other famous people who have died of breast cancer, these women have undergone radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and single and double mastectomies to triumph over disease. This list of notable breast cancer survivors is here to serve as an inspiration and warning for other women concerned with breast cancer.
As one of the leading causes of death in men and women, cancer is something celebrities like Angelina Jolie are encouraging people to be vigilant about in their health assessments. This list of famous breast cancer survivors is a testament to treatment and preventative checks saving lives.
Famous Breast Cancer Survivors,
Christina Applegate
In 2008, Christina Applegate was diagnosed with cancer in one breast and opted to have both removed in a double mastectomy.
Cynthia Nixon
In 2006, Cynthia Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Giuliana Rancic
In 2011, Giuliana Rancic received a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Kylie Minogue
In 2006, Kylie Minogue underwent a partial mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy to remove a lump in her left breast.
Melissa Etheridge
In 2004, Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast and underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment to battle the disease.
Olivia Newton-John
In 1992, Olivia Newton-John underwent a modified radial mastectomy and chemotherapy to combat breast cancer.
Robin Roberts
In 2007, Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments and has since (in 2012) undergone a bone marrow transplant for MDS, or myelodysplastic syndrome.
Shannen Doherty
Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2015. A year later, she posted photos of herself shaving her head, another step in her battle to fight and beat the disease.
Sheryl Crow
In 2006, Sheryl Crow underwent seven weeks of radiation to eradicate suspicious calcifications in both breasts.
Suzanne Somers
In 2001, Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer and received a lumpectomy and radiation treatment.