Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer that many women are struggling with. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer during her lifetime, and that 1 in 31 women will eventually die from it. Breast cancer can affect anyone, particularly women for obvious reasons. Even men are affected, although breast cancer is less common among them.

Of course, even the most famous celebrities could be battling breast cancer disease. In fact, there have been many celebrities who have survived breast cancer, and a couple who unfortunately did not. Often, their struggle with cancer are highly prominent in the public eye, with many of their fans invested in the celebrities’ journeys and recoveries.
Among the many famous celebrities with breast cancer, here are 10 of the most famous breast cancer survivors and their tales of triumph:

1. Sheryl Crow (Breast Cancer in 2006)

Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. The famous celebrity, musician and singer is now cancer free, and she is using her voice as a celebrity to raise awareness about the importance of scheduling a yearly screening mammogram.

After her recovery, she decided to turn to a healthy diet rich in fiber and omega-3s, and she has learned how to allow herself to experience her emotions instead of trying to suppress them.

2. Kylie Minogue (Breast Cancer in 2005)

Kylie is one of the most famous celebrities with breast cancer in Australia. The famous Australian pop star was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2005. Four days after receiving the terrible news, she had surgery and chemotherapy, which helped her recover quickly.

Kylie Minogue claims that her doctor misdiagnosed her a few months before she received her breast cancer diagnosis, and she wants to encourage women to have regular checks, and to trust their instincts when they feel that something is wrong.

3. Shannen Doherty (Breast Cancer in 2015)

The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer on 2015. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and she first wanted to turn to lumpectomy, which is a treatment where only a portion of breast tissue is removed.

However, since many tumors were discovered, she had to undergo a single mastectomy in 2016, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In April 2017, after many struggles, Shannen Doherty announced that her cancer was in remission

4. Kathy Bates (Breast Cancer in 2012)

Katy Bates, an ovarian cancer survivor, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2012. This famous celebrity underwent a double mastectomy, and she is now grateful for the research and treatment that made her recovery possible and saved her life.

Following her double mastectomy, she developed lymphedema, a condition caused by a compromised lymphatic system. She is now the national spokeswoman for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.

5. Dame Maggie Smith (Breast Cancer in 2007)

The famous English actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, during the filming of a Harry Potter movie. She insisted on working on the movie, even as she was going through chemotherapy.

She has now made a full recovery, but her diagnosis and her battle with breast cancer gave her a new outlook on life. It was a difficult period for her, but she is now cancer free.

6. Olivia Newton-John (Breast Cancer in 1992)

Olivia Newton-John might be one of the most famous breast cancer survivors in the celebrity world. The actress and singer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. After a self-examination, she went to see her doctor because she felt that something was wrong. After a mammogram, her doctor found nothing, but she insisted, and a biopsy revealed the cancer.

Olivia Newton-John underwent a mastectomy, but unfortunately, her cancer returned in 2017. She is now treating it, on top of being an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

7. Christina Applegate (Breast Cancer in 2008)

The famous actress and celebrated dancer was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2008. This famous celebrity underwent double mastectomy as a measure of prevention, even though her cancer was found in only one of her breasts.

Christina Applegate is now cancer free, and her mother is also a breast cancer survivor. She is now using her voice and fighting for all women to have access to early detection methods.

8. Cynthia Nixon (Breast Cancer in 2006)

Cynthia Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, after a routine mammography. Her treatment involved a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Her mother is also a breast cancer survivor.

The famous actress became a proud ambassador for the Susan G. Komen organization, and she is now on a mission to help educate women around the world about breast cancer.

9. Judy Blume (Breast Cancer in 2012)

The children’s and young adult fiction author was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, during a routine ultrasound. When she was almost 80 years old, this famous old lady was already a cervical cancer survivor, and she is now a breast cancer survivor as well.

Judy Blume received a mastectomy, and was lucky enough to not need chemotherapy. She is grateful for the help and support she received from her friends who had previously dealt with breast cancer.

10. Peter Criss (Breast Cancer in 2008)

Peter Criss, previously a drummer for KISS, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. He noticed a lump on his chest while he was working out, and he decided to visit his doctor. Thanks to a lumpectomy, he is now cancer free.

He is now trying to spread awareness about the fact that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, even though it’s less common than is it for women, and that it’s important for them to act if they find a lump in their breast.