Celebrity Cancer Survivors

Cancer is not a biased disease. It strikes everyone without regard for rich or poor, black or white, young or old. Many celebrities have been victims, and a few have survived and come back stronger. Often there is a notion that celebrities are rich and can afford the best of treatments, which is why they survive the illness. However, they are also continuously subjugated to stress because of the fame. Their positive attitude to fight cancer is what helps them fight this 'incurable' disease. These celebrities can be looked upon as inspiration for cancer patients, and a few such famous names are given below.

Lance Armstrong
The most prominent cancer survivor in the world, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer which later spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen. According to doctors, he had only a 2% chance of survival, yet, he survived. It was his indomitable will and belief that he could be cured, that helped him survive.

Nelson Mandela
Political personality and Noble Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela was diagnosed with microscopic prostate cancer in 2001, after he was released from prison. He underwent a seven week radiation therapy and successfully fought the disease. It was he who was instrumental in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Robert De Niro
Oscar Award winning actor, Robert De Niro's cancer was detected at an early stage, after the death of his father due to prostate cancer. He immediately got treatment and was regular with his check ups. He underwent surgery and has now recovered completely.

Steve Jobs
The man behind the popular iPod and co-founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004. It is said that this form of cancer is inoperable but, Steve continues his fight against it. He is in remission after undergoing a new procedure in which a part of his pancreas was removed.

Colin Powell
Colin Powell was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was the US Secretary of State. He underwent surgery and successfully fought the disease. Nowadays, he advocates for awareness of prostate cancer.

Some of the women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and successfully fought it are:

Kylie Minogue
An Australian pop sensation with a sultry voice, Kylie Minogue had a bout with the disease in 2005. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she immediately postponed her Showgirl Tour and underwent treatment. She went into remission after an 18 month fight, and then, continued with her tour. It is said that because of the publicity about her cancer, lots of women were saved by early detection as they took preventive measures.

Christina Applegate
The Emmy Award winning actress and star of Samantha Who?, Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008. The disease runs in her family - her mother earlier survived it. It was found that she had a gene mutation that could cause cancer again, and hence, she decided to go for a double mastectomy treatment. She had breast reconstruction surgery and is now completely recovered.

Melissa Etheridge
Singer Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. While she was undergoing chemotherapy and lumpectomy, in which the tumor and surrounding cells are removed, she performed at the 2005 Grammy Awards. She was bald at the time of her performance due to chemotherapy. On Dateline NBC she said, "I remember when I finally made the choice. Yeah, I'm going to do it bald. And you know what? Maybe this'll help somebody who's sitting on chemo (chemotherapy), laying in bed and going, 'God, I'm bald.' Isn't this weird? Maybe it'll help them feel a little better. I didn't know to what extent that would happen. But I'm honored (that the song had such an impact)." Her act is still lauded by many.

Olivia Newton-John
A popular Hollywood actress, who shot to fame after the release of mega hit movie Grease, Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction and is now cured. She spends most of her time campaigning and raising awareness about the disease.

There are many other celebrities who have successfully fought the disease, like Sheryl Crow, Rudy Giuliani, Cynthia Nixon, Senator John McCain, singer Anastacia, Elizabeth Taylor, Kathy Bates, Patric Swayze and many more. People diagnosed with the illness should take inspiration from these celebrities and should strive to defeat it with optimism. With the help of a supporting and loving family, and by believing in oneself, patients are sure to defeat this dreaded disease.