These Celebrities Have Overcome Cancer
There’s no easy way to receive a cancer diagnosis, but once the initial shock wears off, it can help to be reminded that cancer isn’t a death sentence. Many people have overcome it, including some of the most famous faces in the world. You’re not alone in your fight. Read on to discover famous people who’ve kicked some serious cancer butt…
Janice Dickinson – Breast Cancer
In March of 2016, former supermodel Janice Dickinson shared some heartbreaking news in a video interview with the Daily Mail. In what she described as a “nightmarish dream,” the star was diagnosed with breast cancer when her doctor found a small lump during a routine breast exam. The star’s response to the news reflected her bravery. She told one interviewer, “Don’t feel sorry for me. This is not a pity party. I’m Janice Dickinson, and I’m gonna stick around for a long, long time. You ain’t getting rid of me yet.”
Rod Stewart – Thyroid Cancer
Rod Stewart’s 2000 diagnosis of thyroid cancer threatened more than his health— it also threatened his career. After undergoing surgery to remove the cancer, Stewart had to re-learn how to sing. The star successfully regained both his health and his singing career and continues to raise money to find a cure for cancer.
Olivia Newton-John – Breast Cancer
You remember her as the sweet and innocent Sandy from Grease, but actress and singer Olivia Newton-John did indeed grow up. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 but won her battle against the disease. The star continues to donate to cancer organizations to benefit others who receive the same heartbreaking and scary cancer diagnosis she once faced.
Hugh Jackman – Basal Cell Carcinoma
When Hugh Jackman was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2013, he took to Instagram to encourage others to take preventative measures. He shared, “[My wife] Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right! I had a basal cell carcinoma. Please don’t be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!”
Giuliana Rancic – Breast Cancer
When the E! News anchor failed to get pregnant by in vitro fertilization, doctors recommended a mammogram. They soon discovered she had breast cancer. The celebrity underwent a double mastectomy in 2011 in an effort to rid her body of the disease. The star found joy in the midst of treatment when she and her husband welcomed a child via a surrogate mother.
Sharon Osbourne – Colon Cancer
When Sharon Osbourne had surgery for colon cancer in 2002, the prognosis was grim. Doctors told her she only had a 33% chance of survival, yet the star went on to win her fight against cancer. In a preventative move upon learning she carried a gene that put her at high risk of breast cancer, the star also underwent a double mastectomy in 2012. It seems there’s nothing this celebrity can’t or won’t do to beat cancer.
Shannen Doherty – Breast Cancer
When Shannen Doherty announced in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, it wasn’t the star’s first experience sharing her health struggles with the public, and it wouldn’t be her last. Doherty was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1999, and her breast cancer spread to her lymphatic system in 2016. There’s no doubt that this star is a fighter— her treatment has included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Kylie Minogue – Breast Cancer
Singer Kylie Minogue’s fight against breast cancer was short but fierce. Within eight months of her initial diagnosis, Minogue underwent surgery and chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free. France’s Culture Minister praised the Australian star for sharing her cancer battle with the public, saying, “Doctors now even go as far as saying there’s a ‘Kylie effect’ that encourages young women to have regular checks.”
Tom Green – Testicular Cancer
Tom Green has many years of experience living life in the spotlight as a comedian, actor, producer, director, talk show host, and more. Perhaps that’s why he was so comfortable sharing his battle with testicular cancer with the public. After his diagnosis in 2000, Green directed and starred in an MTV special that told the story of his life after the diagnosis and the surgery itself. He was eventually declared cancer-free, but he has continued to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Kathy Bates – Ovarian Cancer
Actress Kathy Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003. After treatment, she was able to keep cancer at bay until 2012, when she announced on Twitter that she had undergone a double mastectomy for breast cancer. Two years later, the star made another announcement that she had lymphedema; shortly thereafter, she became the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network. Her ongoing advocacy is an inspiration to others who face long-term battles with cancer.
Robert DeNiro – Prostate Cancer
Robert DeNiro may have starred in over 100 films, but even he isn’t too busy for regular health screenings. The star was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and had surgery just two months later. Thirteen years have passed since then, and the actor is still working and enjoying life with his friends and family.
Cynthia Nixon – Breast Cancer
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon knows the importance of regular health screenings. It was during a routine mammography that the actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She kept quiet about her diagnosis for a couple of years but has since become an outspoken activist and ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Sandra Lee – Breast Cancer
TV chef and author Sandra Lee announced her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. Her treatments have included a lumpectomy and double mastectomy. Lee’s long-time domestic partner, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, has continued to faithfully stay by her side throughout her fight.
Tommy Chong – Rectal Cancer
Tommy Chong may be a comedian, but he knows that cancer is no laughing matter. He once described his prostate cancer as “a slow stage one [that I’ve] had for a long time.” The actor and musician has even explored natural remedies, such as hemp oil treatments and medicinal marijuana, in a valiant effort to overcome the disease.
Rita Wilson – Breast Cancer
Rita Wilson will be the first to tell you to always get a second opinion. When initial biopsies failed to reveal cancer, the actress sought further input from medical professionals. Her persistence paid off— she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was able to undergo a bilateral mastectomy in an effort to rid herself of the disease.
Joan Lunden – Breast Cancer
Former Good Morning America co-anchor Joan Lunden announced her breast cancer diagnosis in a June 2014 interview with GMA hosts Robin Roberts and Amy Robach. The hosts were able to extend empathy based on personal experience, as each had also undergone cancer treatments of their own not long before.
Dr. Drew – Prostate Cancer
When celebrity doctor Dr. Drew was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, it was his turn to become the patient. After undergoing surgery to remove the cancer, the star was able to recover without the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In fact, the TV personality didn’t slow down for long at all, returning to work just 10 days after his 2013 surgery.
Robin Quivers – Endometrial Cancer
Longtime co-host of The Howard Stern Show Robin Quivers was diagnosed with stage 3C endometrial cancer in 2012. After having the tumor removed from her bladder, the star underwent further treatment through radiation and chemotherapy. Quivers successfully defeated cancer and returned to her spot alongside Howard Stern in October 2013.
Melissa Etheridge – Breast Cancer
Singer-songwriter and gay rights activist Melissa Etheridge underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer in 2004. One year later, the star appeared on Dateline NBC to share her story for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Etheridge relied on the support of her partner and medicinal marijuana to get her through the difficult trial.
Fran Drescher – Stage 1 Uterine Cancer
When doctors diagnosed Fran Drescher with uterine cancer in 2000, she immediately underwent a radical hysterectomy. The drastic treatment worked—the star’s cancer was removed without any need for further treatment. Drescher used her battle for good when she shared her story in a book titled Cancer Schmancer, then went on to launch a non-profit organization with that same name. She continues to fight to ensure other women are diagnosed while their cancer is still in stage 1 and easier to cure.
Cybill Shepherd – Skin Cancer
It’s often heartbreaking when celebrity couples split, but in Cybill Shepherd’s case, it just may have saved her life. Dr. Bruce Oppenheim, Shepherd’s ex-husband, remarried actress Jenilee Harrison. It was Harrison who convinced Shepherd to have a spot on her back checked out by a dermatologist. The former model, actress, and singer was soon diagnosed with melanoma and went on to have it removed.
Edie Falco – Breast Cancer
Actress Edie Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and underwent chemotherapy to battle the disease. The Nurse Jackie star kept her diagnosis a secret for a while, but once she had been cancer-free for five months, she went public with her diagnosis and the victory that followed.
Scott Hamilton – Testicular Cancer
Figure skater and Olympian Scott Hamilton hasn’t slid through life quite as easily as he once glided across the ice. The star was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1997 and a benign brain tumor in 2004, successfully beating both. Although his personal fight with cancer may be over, he has now taken up the banner for others battling the disease through his foundation, The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative.
Mr. T – T-Cell Lymphoma
Mr. T is one actor well-known for his “tough guy” persona. His 1995 diagnosis of a rare type of T-cell lymphoma and the treatment that followed certainly called upon that toughness. When one interviewer asked if the star had any words of wisdom for others receiving a cancer diagnosis, he quipped, “I pity the fool who don’t fight back.”
Sheryl Crow – Breast Cancer
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow underwent a lumpectomy for breast cancer, followed by seven weeks of radiation, in 2006. Four years later, the celebrity returned to her treatment location to open the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.