Celebrities Starting with E Who Had Breast Cancer

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. It occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.

There are different types of breast cancer, with ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma being the most common. Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, meaning it does or does not spread from the milk ducts/lobules to surrounding breast tissue.

Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, aging, genetic mutations, family history, menstrual history, obesity, alcohol use, and hormone therapy. But breast cancer can affect anyone, even celebrities.

Celebrities with Breast Cancer Starting with E

A number of famous actresses, singers, and other stars beginning with the letter E have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Their stories help bring awareness to this disease.

Edie Falco

The Emmy-winning actress known for roles in The Sopranos and Nurse Jackie was diagnosed with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma in 2003 at age 40. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation.

Eileen Fulton

This soap opera actress starred on As The World Turns for 50 years. In 2001 at age 68, she was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and had a mastectomy.

Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, was diagnosed with stage III invasive ductal carcinoma in 2004 at age 55. She passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2010.

Erin Andrews

In 2016, this Fox Sports broadcaster and Dancing with the Stars co-host was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at age 37. She had surgery and radiation.

Eve Ensler

The award-winning playwright and activist known for The Vagina Monologues was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 2009 at age 55. She has continued advocating for women's health after treatment.

Risk Factors and Genetic Testing

Some celebrities who developed breast cancer at relatively young ages were found to have genetic mutations that increased their risk. Genetic testing can identify mutations in BRCA and other genes linked to higher breast cancer risk.

Emma Hancock

This actress from The Amazing Spiderman 2 discovered she had a BRCA mutation at age 27 after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a preventive double mastectomy.

Erin Moran

Best known as Joanie on Happy Days, Erin Moran died of stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2017 at age 56. She likely had a genetic predisposition.

Male Celebrities with Breast Cancer

Though less common, men can also get breast cancer. Male celebrities helping to promote awareness include:

Eric Decker

This former NFL wide receiver whose wife is Jessie James Decker was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at age 35 in 2021. He underwent a mastectomy.

Edward Scissorhands

The fictional character played by Johnny Depp in the 1990 film is said to have died from breast cancer at the end of the movie, symbolizing that men can get it too.

Emmett Lathrop "Doc" Brown

Actor Christopher Lloyd played this fictional Back to the Future scientist who supposedly died of breast cancer prior to the 1985 films events.

Advocating After Diagnosis

Many celebrities use their platform to promote breast cancer education and empowerment after being diagnosed themselves.

Edie Falco

Along with her cancer treatment, Edie Falco became an advocate for breast cancer screenings and research.

Eve Ensler

Ensler founded the organization V-Day which works to end violence against women and girls after surviving breast cancer.

Erin Andrews

Andrews partnered with a major cancer center to encourage women's health screenings and checkups.

Supporting Through Early Detection

Thanks to improved awareness and screening, many celebrities' breast cancers are now caught at earlier more treatable stages compared to past generations.

Elizabeth Hurley

In 2015, actress Elizabeth Hurley had a mammogram that detected early stage breast cancer at age 50. After treatment, she became an advocate for awareness.

Ellen DeGeneres

The comedian and talk show host breast cancer scare in 1997 which turned out to be benign. This led DeGeneres to promote early screening.

Continuing Progress Against Breast Cancer

While more work remains, increased research, screening and therapies are improving breast cancer treatment and survival. Advocacy and fundraising efforts by celebrity survivors and supporters is helping drive this progress.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.