Khaberni - October witnesses an annual global campaign called "Pink October" to raise awareness about breast cancer, its dangers and symptoms, with a review of inspiring stories of international stars who faced challenges with the serious disease, some of whom overcame it and defeated it, and others who passed away while courageously confronting its symptoms.
Celebrity cases are no longer just personal news but have turned into a platform for health education. They highlight the importance of early detection and regular check-ups, noting that cases do not only affect women, but also include male celebrities.
Global female stars who suffered from breast cancer
In 2023, actress Olivia Munn began her diagnosis journey after the discovery of a fast-growing tumor despite good mammogram results, which led her to undergo MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy, resulting in the diagnosis of Luminal B breast cancer, for which she underwent a bilateral mastectomy.
Shannen Doherty faced the disease for the second time after an initial diagnosis in 2015, and the cancer spread to her brain and bones in 2023, resulting in her death in July 2024.
Actress and comedian Wanda Sykes, in 2011, was diagnosed with DCIS milk duct cancer after breast cosmetic surgery, leading her to undergo a bilateral mastectomy as a preventative measure due to her family's medical history.
Sheryl Crow struggled to detect the tumor due to the density of the breast tissue, and after the mammogram, she was diagnosed with DCIS, underwent tumor removal surgery and radiation sessions.
Christina Applegate, after testing positive for a cancer gene, opted to undergo a bilateral mastectomy to reduce the likelihood of the disease recurring.
Robin Roberts' experience, who discovered a triple-negative tumor during a self-exam in 2007, highlighted the importance of early self-detection, while Melissa Etheridge discovered her tumor during a concert tour and treated stage II cancer.
Celebrity Sandra Lee recorded DCIS in three different areas of the breast in 2015, prompting her to have a bilateral mastectomy and document her experience in a documentary, while Giuliana Rancic underwent a bilateral mastectomy to avoid the effects of radiation therapy on possible pregnancy.
Male stars who were diagnosed with breast cancer
A group of men faced health crises with breast cancer, and medical reports confirmed that the disease is not limited to women, affecting about 1% of cases annually, which is about 2,000 men with about 440 deaths recorded.
Among the notable cases, actor Richard Roundtree, famous for his role as "Shaft," was diagnosed with the disease in 1993, underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, and survived.
Announcer Rod Roddy, known for his voice on "The Price is Right," announced his breast cancer diagnosis after his colon cancer diagnosis, but he died in 2003 after undergoing a mastectomy in 2002.
Senator Edward Brooke, the first African American elected to the Senate in 1966, discovered the tumor in 2002, thinking the pain under the nipple was due to a muscle strain, and underwent a bilateral mastectomy and survived until his death in 2015 at the age of 95.
Drummer Peter Criss of KISS found a lump in his chest in 2007 after exercising, underwent surgery and survived, becoming an activist for breast cancer awareness among men.
Former American football player Ernie Green discovered a lump in his chest in 2005, but a lack of knowledge about breast cancer in men delayed his diagnosis, highlighting the need to increase men's awareness of the disease.
