Brandview / 

6 amazing women who have conquered breast cancer

6 amazing women who have conquered breast cancer

(Shutterstock)


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

With one in eight women in the United States developing invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, chances are, you know someone who has battled or is currently battling this disease — and by battle, we mean drop-kick it to the curb and stomp on it until it’s as good as gone — then keep going.

With the survival rate as high as 100 percent for those whose cancer was detected early at the localized stage, millions of women are not only conquering the disease but are going on to accomplish amazing things well after the diagnosis as well.

Here are six amazing women who have conquered breast cancer.

1. Judy Blume

Kids everywhere read Blume’s coming-of-age books like, "Freckle Juice" and "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." Young girls felt validated by the experiences of Margaret in Blume’s best-seller, "Are you there, God? It’s Me, Margaret."

Blume’s writings spanned all ages, bringing normalcy to many seeking just that.

In 2012, at the age of 74, the best-selling author’s voice was nearly silenced when she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma after a routine ultrasound.

The writer underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction — an experience she detailed in her blog. Since conquering breast cancer, Blume has gone one to write several novels, with a newly released book titled, "In the Unlikely Event."

2. Olivia Newton-John

In the summer of 1978, Newton-John, alongside John Travolta, sang and danced her way into the hearts of millions in the movie, "Grease."

Fourteen years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatments included surgery and chemotherapy, as well as spending time in her home in Australia to recover. It was during her recovery when John recorded "Gaia, One Woman's Journey."

Newton-John continues to perform her music in front of an audience, while at the same time, spreading a message about the importance of early breast cancer detection through regular mammograms.

3. Sheryl Crow

In 2006, Crow, a country music star, was diagnosed with breast cancer through early detection. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a double lumpectomy and radiation and has been cancer-free ever since.

Ten years later, Crow continues to sing and record music, but it is her positive voice in the world of breast cancer awareness that is having perhaps the largest impact on the lives of women everywhere. The star is a strong advocate for early detection through new technologies. Recently, she told People Magazine, “Until we have a cure, prevention is really our cure. It's our best treatment."

4. Robin Roberts

This "Good Morning America" news anchor grew up being physically active as a collegiate basketball player who was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Unlike the game of basketball, breast cancer knows no bounds and attacks even the healthiest, just as it did with Roberts in 2007.

To combat the cancer, Roberts completed eight chemotherapy treatments, followed by radiation. In 2012, however, she developed a blood disorder and had to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Roberts has since returned to "Good Morning America," and has also put what she’s learned in written form, authoring a book titled, "Everybody’s Got Something." In her book, she’s followed her mother’s advice of "make your mess your message," as she shares her life journey and battle with breast cancer.

5. Christina Applegate

At the young age of 36, Applegate, a television and film actress, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having a family history of the disease, being tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene mutation and witnessing her mother’s repeated battles, Applegate took no chances with her treatment. Despite cancer being found in only one of her breasts, she underwent a double mastectomy to reduce the chance of it spreading or reappearing later in life.

The actress went on to found Right Action for Women, a nonprofit organization that provides financial aid to women at high risk of breast cancer.

6. Every single breast cancer survivor

You don’t need to be a celebrity to make a difference. Millions of women everywhere are fighting every day and making a difference along the way by encouraging friends and family to get early screenings and by keeping a positive outlook despite the challenges thrown their way.

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center sees so many of these strong women every day, and even more who take that brave step toward early detection. To schedule your mammogram at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, please visit SaltLakeMammo.com.

Related topics

Brandview
Salt Lake Regional Medical Center

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast