Famous Breast Cancer Survivors : Edie Falco

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Famous Breast Cancer Survivors

Kylie Minogue

From being a girl-next-door on Australian Television to a pop diva, Australian singer Kylie Minogue has had and still continues to enjoy successful career after being in showbiz for more than 20 years. Kylie was diagnosed with breast cancer on 17th May 2005. She underwent surgery on 21st May 2005, which was followed by successful chemotherapy sessions. Since her recovery, the pop star has been extensively working towards promoting breast cancer awareness across the globe. A survivor in every sense –Kylie was awarded with an honorary Doctorate of Health Sciences in recognition of her work promoting breast cancer awareness.

Cynthia Nixon

American actress Cynthia Nixon, better known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the television series ‘Sex and the City’ was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 during a routine mammogram. Though this was not her first brush with the disease as her mother too battled breast cancer successfully, Nixon made it public only in 2008. Nixon revealed that she had a lumpectomy done and underwent six and half weeks of radiation therapy. Nixon has since become a breast cancer activist and is the brand ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate was diagnosed with early stage of breast cancer in the year 2008 after an MRI scan. Even though cancer was found in only one breast, Applegate went for double mastectomy (surgical removal of breasts), as she had an inherited genetic fault, a BRCA1 mutation, which often triggers breast cancer. In 2009, Applegate founded a charitable foundation `Right Action for Women` dedicated to breast cancer screening.

Brigitte Bardot

One of the best-known sex-symbols of the 1960s, this French model, actress and singer discovered her illness in 1983-84. After initial refusals, Bardot underwent treatment after being convinced by her close friend Mariana Vlady. At 77, Bardot, who has established herself as a prominent animal rights activist after her retirement, lives a healthy life, setting an example for many that the deadly disease can be won over, if detected and treated on time.

Jaclyn Smith

Better known for her role of Kelly Garrett in the television series ‘Charlie`s Angels’, Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Despite being apprehensive and in a state of shock at the news, Smith dared to go in for the treatment and ever since then has helped to induce public interest. She was also featured in a documentary `1 a Minute` about breast cancer.

Melissa Etheridge

American rock singer-songwriter and musician Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004. Despite going bald after chemotherapy, Etheridge dared the public attention to perform a tribute to Janis Joplin at the 2005 Grammy Awards. She has been involved with the cause ever since.

Sheryl Crow

American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in February 2006. Crow underwent minimally invasive surgery in late February 2006, followed by radiation therapy. Since then, Crow has been vocal about the importance of need for early detection of the disease.

Dame Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith, who is best known for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. The Oscar-winning actress shot for ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ even while undergoing radiation therapy. Smith had a tumour removed which was followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Olivia Newton-John

Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John discovered a lump in her breast in June 1992. Despite subsequent mammogram, ultrasound and a needle biopsy proving negative, Olivia went in for lumpectomy which eventually confirmed her worst fears. The diagnosis was followed by a partial mastectomy and breast reconstruction, followed by a year of chemotherapy. Since then, she has become a tireless advocate for breast cancer research and other health issues.

Edie Falco

In 2003, Edie Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer while working on ‘The Sopranos’. Falco completely kept the disease a secret as she didn’t want any fuss or pity. She emerged cancer-free in 2004.

Liji Varghese