Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. About one in eight women have the risk of developing this disease. Although it is more common in women, men can also suffer from it. The statistics for breast cancer in men show to be more of a rare occurrence. There are many actors who have formerly, or who currently live with breast cancer; many of which have used their platform to help raise awareness through their journeys.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Seinfeld and Veep actress, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, announced on her Twitter and Instagram that she had cancer back in 2017. Not only did she reveal she had breast cancer, but she brought awareness to the subject and how common it is in women. After several rounds of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, she had successfully conquered the disease, making an announcement on her Twitter. She returned to finish the final season of Veep, and now has her own podcast called “Wiser Than Me.”
1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today I’m the one.
The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let’s fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality.
– Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Shannen Doherty
Actress Shannen Doherty, best known for her roles in Charmed and 90210, made her breast cancer announcement in 2015. She shared much of her journey on her Instagram, being candid about her experience. She went through a mastectomy and received chemotherapy and radiation. In 2017, she announced that she was in remission. She continued to raise awareness of breast cancer and kept sharing her story. She was then diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2020 and recently announced via Instagram that the cancer had spread to her brain. The brave actress posted videos of her treatment journey, showing the harsh realities of what cancer patients undergo.
Angelina Jolie
Back in 2013, actress Angelina Jolie discovered that she had a mutation of the BRAC1 gene. This meant that she possessed the gene that increased her chances of getting breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy for preventative measures. Her doing so raised awareness for gene testing, inspiring women to get tested and screened more often. She also advocated to push for medical advancements and was very open when speaking about her experience.
Richard Roundtree
Actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his role in Shaft, learned that he had breast cancer in 1993. He was treated with a mastectomy. The treatment was successful and five years later, he revealed to everyone that he was a breast cancer survivor at a celebrity benefit. Roundtree continues to raise awareness for breast cancer through his platform and participates in events for the fight against it. He is now 81 years old and still doing what he loves, acting, and appearing in movies and TV shows, like Netflix’s Family Reunion.
Miranda McKeon
Anne with an E actress, Miranda McKeon, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 19. She had Stage 3 breast cancer and jumped right into several months of treatment. She underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and three surgeries. Remission finally happened in 2022, and the actress shared her experience on her Instagram regarding her battle with the disease, and how it made her feel. She now has her own company, “Fill Your Tank,” and a blog where she shares her story and her thoughts.
XOXO,
Your fashion bestie
