

It’s the first day in October, which means that breast cancer awareness month is well underway. The month often associated with Halloween is actually quite significant for educating the nation on the disease that affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime, according to BreastCancer.Org. Breast cancer awareness month began 35 years ago in 1985 as a collaborative effort between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, per Brevard Health Alliance Inc.
All of these years later, so many prominent figures have used their platforms and opened up about their own personal struggle with breast cancer. In 1985, former First Lady Betty Ford became one of the most prominent figures to share her stories. Years later, famous faces from Giuliana Rancic to Christina Applegate have shared their experiences of perseverance and hope. Check out the celebrities who have courageously shared their breast cancer diagnoses with the world.
Giuliana Rancic
“And then, I don’t know, it’s just not my personality. I kept thinking to myself, ‘Gosh, I wish I could tell my friends what I’m going through or girls at work,’ just because I wanted to tell them to get checked and tell them, ‘Hey guys, if this can happen to me, then it could happen to you!’” Giuliana subsequently underwent a double lumpectomy and a double mastectomy to treat the cancer.
Christina Applegate
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
“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 completed her treatment for the cancer in 2018 and has since been a staunch advocate for women’s health.
Robin Roberts
Rita Wilson
Sheryl Crow
Kylie Minogue
Hoda Kotb