3 Celebrities Who’ve Proved “Cancer Is Just a Disease, Not The End”

Health & FitnessDecember 10, 2021

Seeing celebrities pulling off varied characters on screen, attending award shows with a big smile on their face, or just living their lavish lives, one might think they’re free from all kinds of troubles. But that’s not true! Behind those elegant smiles, sometimes, there are dark secrets lurking. Take the case of Olivia Newton-John, Bershan Shaw, and Shannen Doherty, for example.

Ivan Samkov/Pexels | Metastatic breast cancer is a form of breast cancer where the disease spreads to other organs while affecting the primary one too

The three beautiful women who have been entertaining us in countless ways for years are each fighting metastatic breast cancer. They’ve been rock strong for their loved ones and are setting a great example for people suffering from the disease around the globe.

Shared below are glimpses of their inspiring journeys.

First, let’s learn about metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is a form of breast cancer that spreads to other organs while affecting the primary one. As per reports, thirty percent of patients who suffer from early-stage breast cancer have a risk of getting infected with metastatic cancer in the future. As far as breast cancer is concerned, the American Cancer Society says that one in eight women suffer from the disease, so you shouldn’t be surprised to hear about people living with metastatic cancer in the entertainment industry.

Olivia Newton-John

Newton-John, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, underwent a mastectomy, reconstruction, and nine months of chemotherapy before she could stand on her feet. She even took part in an overall wellness plan, including yoga and meditation, which encouraged her to establish her own Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne in 2012.

Twenty-five years later, when the singer cum actress was busy helping others suffering from the disease get better treatment, she experienced severe back pain and was rushed to the hospital. After running numerous tests, the doctors found her cancer had returned as stage IV, metastasizing in a bone in her lower back. Though unfortunate, the news didn’t stop her from setting an example for others and living an unimaginable life with her loved ones.

Naomi Rahim/WireImage | Newton-John, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, underwent a mastectomy, reconstruction, and nine months of chemotherapy before she could stand on her feet

Bershan Shaw

Unlike Newton-John, Shaw found out about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, aged 33. The Buckle Up With Bershan podcast host and motivational speaker went through radiation to get rid of the disease, but two years later, days before her wedding, she learned her cancer had returned as stage IV. At that time, the doctors had estimated she would live for a maximum of three months, but it’s been 12 years, and the actress is very much alive and kicking. Since her diagnosis, Shaw has used her platform to spread awareness about the disease and encourage people. Amazing, right?

Shannen Doherty

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty has been entirely open about her health struggles. She’s done everything from shaving her hair to sharing unfiltered images on her social media handles. The actress, who went into remission in 2017, shared in February 2020 that her cancer had metastasized. However, she continued working and said that she feels very healthy and isn’t planning to sign off anytime soon.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Hallmark Channel | Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty continues to work and says that she isn’t planning on signing off anytime soon

Takeaway!

Reading the stories of these strong women, you might think that they’re built differently. TBH, that’s partly true! But there’s one thing they possess more than anyone, and that’s willpower.