By Danson J Kireti
Did you know that October is the breast cancer awareness month? Although Breast cancer is mostly associated with women, men are also victims. It’s only through early detection and treatment that lives can be saved. Therefore checkups are crucial part of the prevention strategy. Breast cancer does not discriminate and throughout the world celebrities have shared their stories of survival. Knowledge is power and we found 10 inspiring celebrities who have overcome the disease and lived to tell their stories.
1. Having lost her 56 year old mum, Angelina Jolie ‘s doctor estimated she was at 87% risk of contracting breast cancer due to inherited gene mutation.This revelation made the Hollywood superstar actress to undergo double mastectomy {surgical removal of both breasts}. Her bold action has increased awareness and conversation around breast cancer prevention globally.
2. Doris Mayoli is the Executive director of Twakutukuza Trust which she founded in 2010 with an aim of raising awareness and also providing breast cancer treatment to mostly children and women. Twakutukuza Trust also provides emotional and spiritual support for victims of breast cancer in Kenya. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and survived to tell the ordeal.
3. Robin Roberts who anchors Good Morning America became the news when she announced of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She underwent eight chemotherapy sessions followed by radiotherapy which she completed successfully and is now back on air.
4.Edna Campbell‘s story of courage and passion inspired many cancer victims to embrace life in a positive mindset. Despite suffering breast cancer, she continued to play in the American Basketball League. She became the Women’s National Basketball Association’s {WNBA} national spokesman in its anti-cancer efforts. Her victory over breast cancer was voted by fans in 2006 to be the most inspirational and top four {WNBA} Decade Anniversary moments.
5. It wasn’t a funny affair for America’s top comedian Wanda Sykes to have both breasts removed due to breast cancer. She made the noble decision in 2011. Today the star of the Wanda Sykes continues to keep her fans laughing.
6. At the age of 36yrs, Australian pop star Kylie Minogue became a victim of breast cancer in 2004. Her second diagnosis is what spotted the killer disease giving her a second chance to live after getting treatment. Kylie is busy recording her 12th studio album to be released in 2014.
7. Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon discovered her right breast had a cancerous tumor in 2006. Out of the limelight she underwent treatment but later revealed her condition in order to encourage other people to go for check-ups. Nixon is now a breast cancer activist as well as an Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer organization in USA.
8. Color might deceive you but Edward Brooks is the first black man to be elected to the US senate in 1966. Ever since he was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2002, he has assumed a national role in raising awareness of the disease among men.
9. Celebrated American actor Richard Roundtree is known for his iconic roles in Shaft, Beverly Hills: 90210, Heroes and Speed Racer. His doctor revealed him the bad news of breast cancer in 1993 after a check up where he had earlier felt a lump in one of his breasts .He has been an active campaigner for breast cancer raising money for mobile diagnostic units.
10. Ernie Green a former fullback Cleveland Browns NFL star in the 60’s was diagnosed with the killer disease in 2006.He is a lucky survivor who spends time sensitizing men on breast cancer.
“There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection”.
Ann Jillian