The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Around 12.4% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime even if they do not have any family history of the disease. Here are some facts about the fourth most common cancer in the world:
- 1 in 6 breast cancer diagnoses occur in women ages 40-49
- ¾ women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease
- Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer morality in the U.S. by almost 40% since 1990
Here are just a few stories of some famous female fighters who deserve to be celebrated for battling the disease.
Giuliana Rancic
Giuliana is known for hosting E! News, Fashion Police, and various red carpet events.
In October 2011 at the age of 37, Giuliana had a routine mammogram while going through IVF with her husband Bill in the hopes of becoming pregnant. That mammogram revealed a small tumor that ended up being the early stages of breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy but unfortunately it failed to get rid of her cancer cells. In December 2011, Giuliana had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Five years later, she is cancer free. Giuliana created her charity Fab-U-Wish to help women undergoing breast cancer treatment feel fabulous.
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl is known as a country artist.
The country singer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 at the age of 44 after a routine mammogram showed early stages of breast cancer. Sheryl had a lumpectomy and seven weeks of radiation that resulted in a full recovery. This month, 10 years after her diagnosis, she is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness and auctioning off more than 100 items of clothing on eBay to support the Stand Up To Cancer charity.
Christina Applegate
Christina is known for her role as Kelly on Married with Children and recently starred in Bad Moms alongside Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell.
As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, Christina was vigilant about getting regular mammograms after turning 30. However, in 2008, her doctor suggested she get an MRI because of the denseness of her breasts. At age 36, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. Six years later she is still cancer free.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia is most famously known for her role as Sandy in Grease.
Through an at-home breast exam, Olivia found a lump in her breast in June of 1992 at the age of 43. She had a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a needle biopsy that all came back clear. Olivia went a step further and underwent a lumpectomy that revealed it was cancer. A few days later she went in for a partial mastectomy and breast reconstruction. She continued chemotherapy for the next year which led to her victory over cancer. Her battle with cancer inspired her to partner with Austin Health to create the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. The ONJCWC provides services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training, and research. Additionally, she is the founder of Liv Aid ®, a breast self-examination aid that helps women to complete breast exams properly.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen is known for her roles as Brenda on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Pru on Charmed.
In February 2015 at the age of 43, Shannen was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a single mastectomy and began chemotherapy. Just recently, she bravely revealed that her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes. She continues chemotherapy but will eventually begin radiation. In July, she made the courageous decision to shave her head and share the intimate moment with the world on Instagram. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shannen as she gives all her strength to kick cancer’s butt.
Although it is very rare for women under 40 to be diagnosed with breast cancer, we know from both Giuliana and Christina’s stories that cancer does not make exceptions for age. For women between the ages of 25-39, they should perform a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years. Once they hit the age of 40, they should be performing these exams every year while also receiving yearly mammograms. If a woman does not feel like a mammogram is enough, she should never be afraid to take the next step, like many of these celebrities did, and get an MRI, biopsy, or lumpectomy to check for the disease.
Make sure to tell the women in your life to get mammograms- they save lives!