Celebrities Who Fought Cancer And Won
The word cancer itself can strike fear into anyone's heart. But today, advances in treatment and stories of unwavering determination are reshaping the narrative. Many celebrities have faced this challenge and come out victorious.
Hugh Jackman
Since his first diagnosis, Hugh Jackman has gone through several treatments. The Wolverine star was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2013. This discovery came after his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, encouraged him to have a mark on his nose checked to reveal he had a common type of skin cancer.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hugh Jackman (Cont.)
Jackman has been consistently emphasizing the importance of sunscreen and regular check-ups. Despite his ongoing battle with skin cancer, Jackman remains optimistic and proactive by turning his journey into a mission to educate others. His 2024 movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, just proves that determination is everything.
Deadpool & Wolverine | #BestFriendsDay by Ryan Reynolds
Giuliana Rancic
While undergoing fertility treatments, Giuliana Rancic was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The vibrant host of E! News was devastated but initially had a double lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Nevertheless, she later opted for a double mastectomy for added assurance.
David Shankbone, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Giuliana Rancic (Cont.)
Rancic continued to work and turned her experience into a platform to inspire others. She's become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. Her resilience and positivity have made her a role model for many women worldwide by encouraging them to self-check and seek medical help.
Giuliana Rancic Teams Up With Avocados From Mexico to Benefit Breast Cancer Research by Lifeminute
Ben Stiller
Movies like Zoolander, Meet the Parents, Night at the Museum, and There's Something About Mary always put smiles on our faces. However, a few people know that the comedian behind them, Ben Stiller, was going through a tough battle.
Ben Stiller (Cont.)
Stiller had a routine check-up in 2014 when the doctor realized that he had prostate cancer. Opting for surgery, he successfully had the cancer removed and has been cancer-free since. Stiller has been vocal about the importance of early detection and credited the prostate-specific antigen test for saving his life.
Jiyang Chen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sheryl Crow
Country music fans know Sheryl Crow from songs like” All I Wanna Do”. However, in 2006, she made it to a different news section when the doctor detected breast cancer. Her early diagnosis led to impressive results.
Selflessness, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sheryl Crow (Cont.)
Crow underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy and has since remained cancer-free. Her health challenges motivated her to lead a healthier lifestyle, including adopting a diet rich in organic foods and practicing mindfulness. As of 2024, Crow has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael C Hall
After success in Six Feet Under and Dexter, Michael C Hall was getting ready to have his career soar. However, in 2010, his spokesperson announced that he was battling Hodgkin's lymphoma. Nevertheless, he continued working on Dexter's final season during his treatment.
Michael C Hall (Cont.)
The actor continued to work on movies like The Trouble with Bliss and won the Golden Globe for Dexter. By the end of the year, he announced that his cancer was in remission. However, he also explained that his diagnosis was shocking since his father couldn't survive the disease.
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Jane Fonda
Acclaimed actress Jane Fonda has faced multiple cancer diagnoses over the years. She is renowned for her illustrious acting career, with iconic roles in films like Klute and Coming Home, earning her two Academy Awards. She is also known for her activism and fitness videos.
Klute — Goldfarb's fantasy (4K) by HE1NZ
Jane Fonda (Cont.)
Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, she underwent a lumpectomy for cancer in 2010. In 2018, she had cancerous growth removed from her lower lip and pre-melanoma growths from her skin. In 2022, Fonda announced she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma but later shared that her cancer was in remission.
Siebbi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kathy Bates
Another star who beat the odds twice is Kathy Bates. The Misery star was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012. She underwent a double mastectomy and has since become an advocate for cancer awareness.
MISERY Clip - "Fight to Death" (1990) Kathy Bates by JoBlo Movie Clips
Kathy Bates (Cont.)
Bates has also spoken openly about developing lymphedema, a condition resulting from lymph node removal during cancer treatment. While receiving treatment, she starred in American Horror Story, for which she earned an Emmy Award. She starred in other shows and movies and received her Hollywood Star in 2016.
Robert De Niro
Early detection is one of the key factors of good prognosis. Luckily, legendary actor Robert De Niro was able to get diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer during a routine check-up in 2003. His early diagnosis allowed for successful treatment, and he made a full recovery.
Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Robert De Niro (Cont.)
While starring in Meet the Fockers, De Niro was going through a rough treatment. He chose to keep his health journey private at the time to focus instead on his family and career. But he later opened up about it to encourage others to get checked.
Robert De Niro's indestructible bus | Meet the Fockers | CLIP by Boxoffice Movie Scenes
Stanley Tucci
Acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with a tumor at the base of his tongue in 2017. The tumor was too large for surgery, so he underwent extensive radiation and chemotherapy. Though the treatment was grueling, Tucci overcame the illness and is now cancer-free.
smoothdude, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Stanley Tucci (Cont.)
Tucci is celebrated for his versatility in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, The Hunger Games, and his Academy Award-nominated role in The Lovely Bones. His distinctive presence and ability to bring depth to any character have made him a Hollywood favorite.
Robin Roberts
Having a platform allows celebrities to advocate for awareness and early detection. This was the case with the Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and later myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare disease of the bone marrow.
Leonard Zhukovsky, Shutterstock
Robin Roberts (Cont.)
People were inspired to see Roberts going strong after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation before she went into remission. She also underwent a bone marrow transplant, with her sister Sally-Ann serving as her donor and encouraged others to donate to save lives.
Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cynthia Nixon
Playing the role of Miranda Hobbes made Cynthia Nixon a household name. However, a horrifying cancer diagnosis in 2006 shocked her while she was delivering her outstanding Rabbit Hole performance that earned her a Tony Award.
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Cynthia Nixon (Cont.)
In the beginning, Nixon decided to keep her diagnosis private because she thought it would hurt her career. However, she later shared her story to raise awareness and worked with Susan G Komen for the Cure organization to educate others about cancer.
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Rod Stewart
As of 2024, legendary singer Rod Stewart is still dazzling us with his raspy, distinctive voice. Yet, a few know that he had to re-learn how to sing after a surgery that almost cost him the one thing that makes him who he is—his voice.
Rod Stewart (Cont.)
In 2017, Stewart battled prostate cancer, but he got better and was in remission. However, in 2019, doctors told him that he had a nodule on the vocal cords, which later turned out to be thyroid cancer. Following successful surgery and treatment, he made a full recovery.
Joe Bielawa from MInneapolis, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Anastacia
Anastacia is one of the most popular pop singers of the early 2000s with songs like “I'm Outta Love” and “Paid My Dues”. But what's really inspiring is that the artist never stopped making music after two cancer instances while battling Crohn's disease.
Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Anastacia (Cont.)
Doctors found out she had breast cancer in 2003, at the height of her career and she fully recovered after treatment. However, in 2013, the disease returned, and she had a double mastectomy. Despite these challenges, Anastacia remained positive and returned to music stronger than ever.
Tomukas - Thomas Holbach, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Christina Applegate
Since Married... with Children, everybody noticed Christina Applegate's talent. Yet, Applegate knew that she had a family history of cancer and after discovering a lump, she chose to undergo a double mastectomy. She has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which doubles the risk of the disease.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Christina Applegate (Cont.)
Applegate chose to take a drastic measure to avoid further complications. She went on to star in several successful shows like Dead to Me despite receiving an alarming multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021. She's announced she's more open to work on voiceovers because of her condition.
Dead to Me | Christina Applegate | Netflix by Still Watching Netflix
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an NBA champion and the NBA's all-time leading scorer for nearly four decades. Known for his iconic skyhook shot, he dominated the league during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Frank Bryan, Wikimedia Commons
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Cont.)
After retiring, the basketball legend turned to coaching. However, in 2008, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Though the diagnosis was a lifelong condition, Abdul-Jabbar has managed it successfully with medication and regular monitoring. He has also undergone treatment for prostate cancer and remains vigilant about his health.
Wanda Sykes
A few people manage to put a smile on every face the way Wanda Sykes does. Doctors found out she had ductal carcinoma in situ, a form of early-stage breast cancer, in 2011. Upon learning she had the BRCA1 gene mutation, Sykes opted for a double mastectomy.
Wanda Sykes (Cont.)
Known for candid humor and sharp wit, Sykes gained fame for her roles in The New Adventures of Old Christine and her Emmy-winning work as a writer for The Chris Rock Show. She has used her platform to raise awareness about genetic testing and proactive health choices.
The New Adventures Of Old Christine - White Black by sourberry
Martina Navratilova
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 after a routine mammogram. Doctors ordered a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, and she recovered. In 2023, she revealed she had been diagnosed with throat cancer as well, but after undergoing treatment, she shared that she was cancer-free later that year.
Robbie Mendelson, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Martina Navratilova (Cont.)
Navratilova is one of the world's greatest tennis players, winning a record 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her dominance in the 1970s and 1980s revolutionized women's tennis with her aggressive play and athleticism.
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Fran Drescher
In 2000, Fran Drescher, best known for her comedic charm, was diagnosed with uterine cancer after years of misdiagnosed symptoms. She underwent a hysterectomy and has been cancer-free since. She's one of many women who remain undiagnosed for years because of a lack of awareness.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fran Drescher (Cont.)
Her experience inspired her to create the Cancer Schmancer movement to educate people about early detection and patient empowerment. She advocates for raising awareness about the early signs that many people miss to increase their chances of recovery.
Fran Drescher on "Cancer Schmancer" | BUILD Series by BUILD Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
After winning her record-breaking sixth Emmy Award for Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus discovered that she had breast cancer. She shared the news publicly on Twitter to support women and highlight the importance of providing support to cancer patients.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Cont.)
After her 2017 diagnosis, Julia Louis-Dreyfus had to go through chemotherapy and surgery. She did that while staying positive and used her platform to raise awareness about healthcare access and cancer research. By 2018, she announced she was cancer-free.
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Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross started acting in the early 1980s and achieved some success with soap operas. However, she became a household name after playing the role of Bree Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives. But in 2017, she received terrible news.
Marcia Cross (Cont.)
Cross was diagnosed with rectal cancer, which she later revealed was linked to HPV. After undergoing treatment, she became cancer-free. Cross has been vocal about her diagnosis, aiming to destigmatize HPV-related cancers and encourage preventive measures like vaccination.
Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross is on a mission to destigmatize anal cancer by CBS Mornings
Terry Bradshaw
NFL legend Terry Bradshaw revealed in 2022 that he had been battling two forms of cancer: bladder cancer and a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Bradshaw underwent surgery and treatment for both diagnoses and by the end of the year, he announced he was cancer-free.
The ASI Show, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Terry Bradshaw (Cont.)
Bradshaw is best known for his career as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading the team to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. After retiring, he transitioned into a successful career as a sports analyst and television personality and became a key figure on Fox NFL Sunday.
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Jeff Bridges
With a career spanning seven decades, Jeff Bridges is one of the most iconic Hollywood stars, thanks to films like The Big Lebowski, True Grit, Crazy Heart, and The Fabulous Baker Boys. He received several accolades, including Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy, BAFTA awards, and the Cecil B DeMille Award.
I'm The Dude | The Big Lebowski by Popcorn Picks
Jeff Bridges (Cont.)
Bridges announced in 2020 that he had lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. During his treatment, Bridges also contracted COVID-19, which complicated his recovery. Despite these challenges, he completed his chemotherapy and revealed in 2021 that his cancer was in remission.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America,, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
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