Celebrities Starting with G Who Had Breast Cancer

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Breast cancer starts when healthy cells in the breast change and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast like the ducts, lobes, or tissue. The stage and type of breast cancer impacts prognosis and survival rates.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several different classifications of breast cancer including:

• Ductal carcinoma - Begins in the milk ducts
• Lobular carcinoma - Starts in the lobules that produce milk
• In situ - Cancer cells are only in the original site and have not spread
• Invasive - Cancer has spread to surrounding breast tissue
• HER2 positive - Excess HER2 protein that promotes cancer growth

Treatment options will depend on the type, stage, and characteristics of the breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

There are several factors that are known to increase breast cancer risk including:

• Family history of breast cancer
• Inherited gene mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Early menstruation or late menopause
• Older age
• Obesity
• Drinking alcohol
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Radiation exposure

Understanding personal risk allows women to make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

Celebrities with Breast Cancer

Many beloved celebrities have publicly shared their personal experiences with breast cancer. Their stories help raise awareness and inspire others fighting the disease. Here are some details on celebrities whose names start with G who have faced breast cancer.

Gabrielle Union

In October 2022, actress Gabrielle Union revealed that she had been diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare type of breast cancer, earlier that year. She underwent a lumpectomy and is receiving ongoing treatment. Union has been applauded for transparently sharing her diagnosis to empower other Black women to prioritize breast screenings.

Gloria Steinem

Iconic feminist Gloria Steinem was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 at the age of 52 after discovering a lump during a self-exam. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation. Steinem spoke openly about her cancer journey to break down stigma and advocate for universal, affordable screening.

Giuliana Rancic

In 2011, TV host Giuliana Rancic was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer at age 36 after trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant. She had a double lumpectomy and radiation. Rancic shared her story publicly to encourage women to get checked early. She later successfully had a son via surrogate.

Goldie Hawn

At age 44, Goldie Hawn detected a lump in her breast during a vacation. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. After undergoing a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, Hawn made a full recovery. She advocates for mindfulness and meditation techniques to empower cancer patients.

Gloria Reuben

Actress Gloria Reuben, known for her role on ER, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at age 44. After treatment, she became an active supporter of cancer fundraising. Reuben later returned in guest spots on the TV shows Lincoln Heights and Cloak & Dagger.

Greta Waitz

Norwegian long distance runner Greta Waitz won the New York City Marathon nine times. In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine scan. Following treatment, she famously ran the New York City Marathon carrying the banner at the start of the race. She continued running and raising cancer awareness until her death in 2011.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors as Advocates

Breast cancer survivorship comes with a host of physical, emotional, and social challenges. Many celebrity survivors use their stories as a platform to advocate for awareness, screening, and research.

Promoting Awareness and Early Detection

Breast cancer caught early before spreading has a much higher survival rate. Celebrities help promote awareness of breast health and encourage women to get regular screenings through mammograms and self-exams. Their firsthand stories underscore the importance of not delaying tests when noticing changes in breast tissue.

Highlighting Treatment Options

Celebrity experiences showcase the range of treatment options available for breast cancer including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs. Their real-life stories bring transparency to the physical and emotional side effects of treatments like mastectomy, hair loss, and menopause.

Supporting Research and Fundraising

Many celebrities use their high-profile platform to raise money for breast cancer research programs. Non-profit campaigns gain significant publicity when championed by celebrity ambassadors and survivors. Stars also help put a relatable human face to critical research efforts.

Providing Inspiration

For breast cancer patients and survivors, celebrity accounts can provide inspiration, hope, and comfort during difficult times. Stars openly discuss their journeys through fear, pain, community support, and triumph. Their stories show that life after breast cancer can be joyful and productive.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Charities and Fundraising

In addition to broadly promoting breast cancer awareness, many celebrities have aligned with specific charities or founded organizations to fund research and patient support:

• Sheryl Crow - Sheryl Crow Imaging Center at the Pink Lotus Breast Center
• Melissa Etheridge - The Etheridge Foundation
• Olivia Newton-John - Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre
• Sandra Lee - Dr. Sandra Lees "Fund a Cure" at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Cynthia Nixon - Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Wanda Sykes - "Colour Me Pink" with the Women of Color Network

Other celebrities support established organizations like the American Cancer Society through fundraising events, campaigns, and promotions spread across various media platforms.

The Importance of Celebrities Sharing Their Breast Cancer Stories

While more work remains in preventing, detecting, and treating breast cancer, increased celebrity advocacy has made a significant difference over the past 30 years. Stars' honest and detailed accounts of their breast cancer journeys provide many benefits:

• Increased awareness and earlier screening
• Reduced stigma about diagnoses
• Transparency about available treatment options
• Fundraising dollars for new research
• Inspiration and comfort for patients

As celebrities continue to share their breast cancer stories, they empower more women to take charge of their breast health. In turn, increased awareness, screening and research will improve outcomes for all those facing breast cancer in the future.

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.