When a celebrity is in the public eye, it's critical that they honestly discuss the realities of everyday living with their audience. A frank celebrity may bring a lot of comfort to those who might be going through something similar, whether it's to inspire or simply connect with their audience.
That's precisely what these well-known people did: they boldly went public with what could have been the worst experience of their lives: being diagnosed with cancer. Most of us will be touched by cancer, whether it's our own or a loved one's diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 38% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. And undergoing treatment is no small effort in and of itself. With the help of loved ones, cancer patients must learn how to maintain a positive outlook on their own to persevere in the face of adversity while pursuing their life goals. Ask any of these famous people who have battled cancer while in the spotlight and become role models. Celebrities who have battled cancer and come out the other side are included below.
Kathy Griffin
In August of 2021, the comedienne was the first to declare that she had been diagnosed with stage I lung cancer. She explained that although she "never smoked," physicians discovered a tumor that had gone undiscovered for ten years.
After undergoing surgery to remove half of her left lung to treat her cancer, Griffin announced she was cancer-free three months later. The native of Illinois remarked on her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in November 2021. She joked that her doctor had tried to keep things light before her operation by comparing the removal of her lung to a balloon, saying that it "kind of looks like a used condom" after it is poked. Her doctor had compared the balloon to the appearance of a used condom.
The former star of "My Life on the D List" claimed that the treatment affected her vocal cords, even though she progressed in her recovery. She spoke with a higher-pitched voice than usual and remarked, "It will heal, but I'm enjoying it." "I believe that my singing range is at least two octaves higher. I am aware that it is a higher score than Mariah Carey.
She sent a further joyful update in February of 2022. "The six-month follow-up scan for lung cancer is clear!!! No more #cancer," she tweeted in February 2022 alongside a video of herself swimming naked. A hashtag accompanied the tweet. "And before you ask, I shake my breasts and butt while I am going shirtless in the pool. SO WHAT?"
Ben Stiller
Now 56 years old, Ben Stiller was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 and had treatment for the disease in 2014. It took him two years from the time of his diagnosis to come forward about his illness, but when he did, he was candid about his path through treatment.
After discovering that he had cancer in his late forties and then being given the all-clear, he asserted that the prostate-specific antigen test, which is a blood test and is also known as the PSA test, was responsible for saving his life. Stiller acknowledged that different people had different recommendations regarding the exams in an essay that was published online. She stated, "This is a delicate topic and a growing one."
"But in our imperfect world, I feel that the greatest way to choose a course of action for the most treatable, yet lethal cancer is to find it early on in its progression."
Hugh Jackman
Multiple instances of basal cell carcinoma, a form of malignant skin cancer, have been identified in the Wolverine actor. The most recent biopsy that he had was in August of last year.
"The doctors spotted something that was a little abnormal, so they took a biopsy and they're getting it checked," he wrote in a post on Instagram, further emphasizing the significance of using sunscreen. "The doctors observed something that was a little irregular," he added. If I can convince just one person to make an appointment with their dermatologist, I will have accomplished my goal by writing about this.
The star of "The Greatest Showman," 53 years old, received his initial diagnosis in 2013 and his final one in 2017.
Khloe Kardashian
Khloe Kardashian, an American reality TV actress, and entrepreneur have had multiple skin biopsies performed over the years, but unfortunately, one of them revealed malignant cells. In 2016, she went public about the incident to encourage other people to monitor any moles that may appear on their bodies.
She wrote on both her app and website, "I'm writing this post with the hope that my story can get some of you in to see your doctor if you notice something wrong with your skin." She hoped that her story would encourage people to visit their physicians if they noticed something amiss with their skin.
The 37-year-old reality TV personality revealed that she had eight inches of skin removed during cosmetic surgery. "It was unquestionably uncomfortable because there was a significant amount of skin... However, the removals haven't been all that terrible the most of the time."
In addition to that, she mentioned that "now that I've been through this a couple of times, I am extra mindful of my skin, body, and moles."
Michael C Hall
Michael C. Hall, 51, who plays the titular role in the popular television series, also had a secret. The actor was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, while production took place during the show's fourth season. Hodgkin's lymphoma is an aggressive form of the disease. However, he did not announce it to the public until after the completion of filming.
Hall went through treatment for his leukemia while the program was on hiatus, and as a result, he is now a spokesperson for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Hall has been in remission for more than ten years.
He told The Guardian that he was delighted he declared his cancer by wearing a knitted cap to the 2010 Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild award ceremonies. He had initially intended to keep it a secret from everyone, but he is now happy that he did so.
"I totally overestimated how much that would be a source of inspiration or strength to other people," he said. "I'm really ashamed of myself for saying that." "It's already helpful just to watch someone you know and care about go through the treatment procedure and come out on the other side victorious," said one patient.
Sofia Vergara
Actress Sofia Vergara, who hails from Colombia, was just 28 years old when a tumor was discovered in her neck during a routine checkup. She was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Even though it was detected early and she responded well to therapy, it took the star of Modern Family, who is now 49 years old, 11 years before she discussed her cancer scare in public.
In an interview, she revealed her reasoning for not telling Health: "You don't want to deal with anything else when you're going through it." She learned a lot during that time, not just about thyroid cancer, but I also learned that we're better together in a time of crisis. Now, she talks about her experience whenever she has the chance. One year ago, she spoke about it at a Stand Up to Cancer event and stated, "I learned a lot over that period, not just about thyroid cancer."
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In an editorial he penned for WebMD in 2020 about the disparities in medical care, six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He started by saying, "My life is in danger." "Not only because I'm 73 years old and have the typical bothersome aches and pains that come with age, but also because I'm tall and black," she said.
He then details the more likely illnesses affecting him due to his height and ethnicity. "Up to this point, according to these statistical risks, I've been diagnosed with prostate cancer and leukemia and have undergone heart bypass surgery."
In 2008, a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia was made concerning Abdul-Jabbar.
In the subsequent portion of his extensive essay, he discusses how the epidemic has contributed to the widening of existing inequities in health care while being mindful of his privileged position. "I have been fortunate since my notoriety has provided me with the financial security to obtain high-quality medical care. Nobody wants to be in charge when an NBA legend passes away on their watch. Imagine the comments left on Yelp.
Manisha Koirala
Since being pronounced cancer-free in 2015, Nepalese actress Manisha Koirala, who is 51 years old and best known for her work in Tamil and Hindi films, has discussed her experience with ovarian cancer on multiple occasions in public interviews. Koirala is best known for her roles in Hindi films.
The previous year, on the day designated in India to raise awareness about cancer, she posted her comments on Instagram. "I want to wish everyone who is going through this difficult road of cancer treatment a lot of love and success. I hope that you are able to beat this terrible disease." "I know that the voyage will be difficult, but you are more courageous than that." She wrote, "I want to celebrate with those who have triumphed over it while also paying my respects to those who were unable to overcome it."
We need to get the word out about the condition, and every one of the inspiring stories needs to be recounted and retold as often as possible. Let's show some compassion to ourselves and the rest of the world.
In 2018, Koirala wrote a book titled "Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life" on her experience overcoming the disease.
Sonali Bendre
When Sonali Bendre, an Indian actress, was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in July of 2018, she was 47 years old. The cancer had spread across her abdomen, "like fairy lights strewn all over," she said in an interview with Harper's Bazaar India. "When the doctor in New York told us that there was probably a 30 percent chance of it all going gone, we were distraught."
Despite the difficult circumstances, she had a cheerful attitude, and the treatment she received was successful. On National Cancer Survivors Day in 2016, she shared on Instagram a photo of herself receiving chemotherapy next to one of her children who had recovered from cancer.
Elissa
A Lebanese singer who is now 49 years old is possibly the Arab world's most famous cancer survivor. At the very least, she is the one who has been the most open about her experience with the disease. She discussed her struggle with breast cancer at the Dubai Health Forum in 2019, and she even made a song and music video about it titled "Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni (To Those Who Love Me)."
At first, she didn't say anything about it since she didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her or worry about her family. After that, though, her sister learned that she, too, had breast cancer. After that, the singer for Maktooba Leek decided to communicate more openly with the general population.
"After learning that I had breast cancer, she decided to get a mammogram for herself, and during the procedure, she found out that she, too, had breast cancer. She was blessed with receiving the care she required and made a full recovery. When I had that realization, I realized how crucial it was to educate people about breast cancer and the necessity of early detection. I think that God wanted me to inform people about the disease.
