Earlier this week, the royal family shocked the world when the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, announced that she has cancer. Although there have been many speculations about her absence since January, and even some conspiracy theories, this announcement was unexpected. In an emotional video message, the Princess announced her diagnosis and current treatment of preventative chemotherapy. She explained that the cancer was found during her recent abdominal surgery and kindly asked for privacy during this time as she processes her diagnosis with her family.
Cancer is the one word no one wants to hear in the doctor’s office. Regardless of the stage or type of cancer, it can be terrifying to deal with. While there are many activities, such as excessive drinking and smoking, that can increase your chances of having cancer, cancer can still reach those who live healthy lives.
No one is immune to cancer, even celebrities and royalty. Many famous people have been diagnosed with cancer and many famous people have also beaten cancer over the years. Even though cancer is a scary diagnosis, reading about those who have overcome cancer can give us a lot of hope.
Throughout our lives, most of us will be affected by cancer in some way, even if it’s because a loved one or friend is diagnosed. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 40% of people will be diagnosed at some point in their lives.
It’s easy to think that famous people and celebrities are invincible, but reading about many of their struggles with cancer shows us that they’re human like the rest of us.
Even in the worst cases, there are many miraculous stories out there of celebrities who battled cancer and won. You might be surprised to find out about some of the celebrities who have faced this difficult battle, from Hugh Jackman to Robert De Niro. These stories give us hope that even the toughest illnesses can be overcome. If these famous people can beat cancer, we know the Princess of Wales can too.
To create this list of famous people who have beaten cancer, 24/7 Tempo consulted several lifestyle and entertainment publications, including IMDb. (Also See 13 of the Most Overlooked Cancer Symptoms.)
Here are 10 famous people who have beaten cancer and are now cancer-free.
Michael Douglas
- Diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2010
Michael Douglas announced back in 2010 that he was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer. Although he admitted that his drinking and smoking likely contributed to his diagnosis, he bravely battled the cancer, going through chemo and radiation treatments. After a long and challenging treatment, he was pronounced cancer-free.
Sharon Osbourne
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Sharon Osbourne attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
- Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002
In 2002, Sharon Osbourne was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she continued filming “The Osbournes” and the show followed her progress through cancer treatments. Since the cancer had spread to the rest of her body, she ended up undergoing chemo. She was able to battle the cancer with her treatments and return to her normal life.
Jane Fonda
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Jane Fonda attends The Women's Media Center 2023 Women's Media Awards at The Whitby Hotel on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Joy Malone/Getty Images)
- Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2022
Jane Fonda announced her cancer diagnosis in 2022. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. However, this wasn’t the first time she was diagnosed with cancer. In 2018, she announced in an interview she had a cancerous growth removed from her lip and she was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.
Terry Bradshaw
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Fox Sports host and former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
- Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021
Terry Bradshaw announced in late 2022 that he had received a cancer diagnosis the previous year. His first diagnosis was bladder cancer but he was then diagnosed with skin cancer the next year. After surgery and cancer treatments, Bradshaw was able to beat the cancer entirely.
Hugh Jackman
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 27: Hugh Jackman speaks at Global Citizen NOW Summit at The Glasshouse on April 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
- Diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2013 and 2015
Hugh Jackman has faced skin cancer more than once since 2013. Although basal cell carcinoma is the least dangerous out of the various types of skin cancers, it can still be a scary diagnosis to face, especially more than once. Jackman had several cancerous growths removed but proper treatment has allowed him to beat the cancer each time.
Kathy Griffin
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 12: Kathy Griffin speaks onstage during the Fourth Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on June 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards)
- Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021
Kathy Griffin announced in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. Even though she said she wasn’t a smoker, doctors located a tumor on her lung that required surgery. Griffin underwent surgery where doctors removed half of her lung. After the surgery, she happily announced the cancer was gone.
Ewan McGregor
- Diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008
Ewan McGregor shared in 2008 that he had experienced skin cancer. He went to the doctor to have his skin checked and one specialist suggested he remove several of the moles on his face. At least one of them ended up being cancerous. Although it was a scary experience, McGregor was able to stay positive. He expressed how careful you have to be with such pale skin, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017
Julia Louis-Dreyfus was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2017 but is now cancer-free. Her treatment included three rounds of chemo. Louis-Dreyfus decided to speak openly about her cancer and treatment because she wanted to advocate for affordable access to health care. She expressed that her diagnosis made her reflect on what it must be like for those facing cancer without health insurance.
Christina Applegate
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 14: Christina Applegate attends a ceremony honoring Christina Applegate with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
- Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008
Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 when she was 37 years old. To remove the cancer and any risk of it coming back, she had a double mastectomy. Her experience with cancer led her to start the Right Action Foundation to provide funds to women who need imaging for breast cancer.
Robert De Niro
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 07: Actor Robert De Niro speaks during the Tribeca Festival Opening Night Reception at Tribeca Grill on June 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)
- Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003
In 2003, Robert De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His diagnosis required him to get surgery, which was able to save his life and he was later pronounced cancer-free. De Niro received his diagnosis when he was 60 years old. Thanks to his treatment, he celebrated his 80th birthday last year. (Read about some of the Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths Here.)