Celebrities: It happens to them, too

Breast cancer is a nearly universal disease that affects most everyone in the U.S., through family or personal ties. Here’s a list of some high-profile cases that have made news headlines in the last several years:

 

Angelina Jolie

Jolie jolted the public with her decision to undergo a double mastectomy at age 37 after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, known as the “breast cancer gene,” meaning she had a high risk of developing cancer. Jolie’s mother died from ovarian cancer at 56, so Jolie made the decision for her six children. After the news broke, she wrote an article for The New York Times and said: “Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.”

 

Kathy Bates

Famous for her role in the critically acclaimed film, “Misery,” Bates was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in 2012. She also battled ovarian cancer after being diagnosed in 2003. Bates is currently cast as Delphine DeLaurie on the third season of FX’s hit TV show, “American Horror Story: Coven.”

Giuliana Rancic

One of E! New’s most popular anchors, Rancic is a TV personality and journalist who battled breast cancer in 2011, discovered after she got a mammogram while undergoing fertility treatments. Appearing in her own reality show “Giuliana and Bill,” with her husband, she fought cancer publicly at age 37. She underwent a double mastectomy to increase her chances of survival.

 

Maggie Smith

Famous for a wide variety of movie roles, including Minerva MaGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, Smith battled breast cancer while filming “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”  She would finish the film series, wearing a wig for the final movie in 2011. She currently stars in the hit show “Downton Abbey” as Violet Crawley, the Dowager countess of Grantham, which has won her a Golden Globe and two Emmy awards.

 

Sheryl Crow

Among the most outspoken advocates for breast cancer awareness, the Grammy winning country and pop singer and actress had surgery in 2006, followed by radiation therapy. Her treatment was successful, and she released a new album just last month.

 

Breast cancer and social media

Check out, “like” and follow these social media accounts for more info on awareness, mammograms, facts and women in need:

 

 

Twitter:

@TheBreastCancer

@KeepABreast

@BCAware

 

Facebook:

Facebook.com/BreastCancerAwareness

Facebook.com/BCACampaign

Facebook.com/breast.cancer.aware

 

Instagram:

@fight4acure

@breastcancer_awareness