Cancer is a cruel and indiscrimintory disease that strikes millions of people across the world each year. Sadly, a little over half the people diagnosed each year will succumb to the disease. For many, their battle with cancer is fought in the privacy of their own home, surrounded by friends and family who love them. Although celebrities are a relatively small part of the population, each year there seem to be several celebrities who reveal that they have been diagnosed with cancer. However, for most celebrities who are diagnosed with cancer, their battle eventually becomes part of the pop culture conversation and they are met with an outpouring of love from fans and supporters; many of whom they’ve probably never met. Although most people don’t know celebrities personally, their battles are often seen as an inspiration, and a reminder that they are not untouchable. Here are 10 celebrities who beat cancer.
10. Sheryl Crow
In 2006, award-winning musician, Sheryl Crow, announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After her diagnoses, Crow continued to perform and many fans were in awe of her strength and determination. However, soon after entering remission for breast cancer, an MRI scan revealed that Crow has a brain tumor. During an interview, Crow stated: “The tumour isn’t a big thing – thousands of people have benign brain tumours so they’re not unusual and particularly not with women. They can be caused by oestrogen and mine also might be related to the fact I had breast cancer. They are the slowest growing tumours – but nonetheless worrisome.” Although she has had constant battles with her health, Crow remains positive and hopeful.
(Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Happy Hearts Fund)
9. Fran Drescher
Actress, Fran Dresher, best-known for her as Fran Fine on the hit sitcom, The Nanny, won the hearts of millions of viewers with her bold sense of humor and unique voice. However, things got very serious for Drescher in 2000 when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. The diagnosis came two years after Drescher was diagnosed with – and treated for – a pre-menopausal condition. During an interview with Oprah, Drescher confessed that she initially thought the disease would claim her life; however, at the time of diagnoses she was only in stage one. Now a proud cancer survivor, Dresher works hard to spread awareness by sharing her story with others.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
8. Kathy Bates
Award-winning actress, Kathy Bates, is well-known for portraying strong female characters. But like most people, Bates’ sudden decline in health would prove that isn’t invincible. In 2003, Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During an interview, Bates said that she was nervous upon hearing the news, but chose to dealt with it as privately as possible. In 2012, after beating the disease, fans everywhere were shocked and saddened to learn that Bates had also been diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of taking chances, Bates opted to have a double mastectomy to lower her chances of ever being stricken with the disease again. When discussing her decision, Bates simply said: “I’m sorry I had to have my breasts removed. There are lots of things I wish were different, but I have wonderful friends I rely on for my happiness. And I’ve been blessed with a keen mind and many interests.”
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
7. Michael Douglas
In 2010, actor Michael Douglass told the public that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. However, in 2013 he cleared things up by announcing that it was tongue cancer – not threat cancer – which was causing a decline is in health. However after two years of treatments and regular doctor’s visits, Douglas is said to be in remission.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
6. Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is one of Hollywood’s toughest acts. However, his true strength was put to the test in 2003 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Almost immediately following his diagnoses, his publicist released a statement saying: “Doctors say the condition was detected at an early stage because of regular checkups. Because of the early detection and his excellent physical condition, doctors project a full recovery.” Luckily for De Niro, his publicists’ early words brought positivity in his future and De Niro has successfully battered the cool new writing center award.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
5. Melissa Etheridge
Multi-talented musician, Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2o13. After feeling a “huge” lump in one of her breasts, Etheridge, who has a long family history of cancer, became extremely worried. However, Etheridge was determined to overcome the disease and continue her career as a musician. After a year of aggress testament, Etheridge was able to inform her fans that she had beaten the illness.
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
4. Haile Berry
Academy-award winning actress Halle Berry has been one of Hollywood’s most popular stars for years. But, even with her overwhelming popularity, Berry managed to keep her battle with breast cancer away from the public eye. However, Berry, who is now cancer free supports many cancer related causes and has worked with other celebrities to raise money to help fight the disease.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
3. Rob Stewart
In 2000, when Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer many, including him, feared his career as a singer would be over. After Stewart underwent surgery, to have a nodule removed, doctors told him his voice would return in six months; however, when it didn’t, Stewart’s worries increased. Fortunately, nine months after the surgery, Stewart regained the ability to sing, and stated: “It’s not as strong right now, but it will be because I just keep on singing and singing and singing.” Now more than a decade after the procedure, Stewart’s voice has returned to its full capacity and he is back to performing in front of thousands.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2. Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong’s is perhaps one of the most well-known celebrity cancer survivors of all-time. When Armstrong was just 25 years-old, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had already spread throughout his body. According to Armstrong, doctors gave him less than a 40% chance to live. However, Armstrong’s fearless battle with disease inspired millions of people and in 1997 he founded the Livestrong organization to “to inspire and empower’ cancer survivors and their families.”
(Photo by Gail Oskin/Getty Images)
1. Robin Roberts
In 2007, newscaster Robin Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, in approximately a year, she had undergone treatment to successfully fight off the disease. In 2012, Roberts was again diagnosed with cancer; however, this time it was a rare bone marrow disease: myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Roberts was given a short time to live, but vowed to herself and to her fans that she would not let the disease get the best of her. In 2012, Roberts was able to find a match for a bone marrow transplant and took leave from her seat on Good Morning America to undergo the procedure. In December 2013, Roberts posted to her Facebook page stating: “At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude. I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health…I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”
(Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Pennsylvania Conference for Women)
(Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)
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