Public Figures Who Defeated Cancer

It is often said that an illness is a great equalizer – it doesn't discriminate, it doesn't pick one over another, it doesn't favor wealth or poverty, good or bad, it simply just happens. No one is immune to cancer, even celebrities and royalty. This is quite evident most recently with dual cancer diagnoses in the British Royal Family and this isn't the first or second time cancer has invaded the monarchy. The family has a long history of cancer although many have triumphed. Similar to the public figures who defeated cancer.

Many famous people have been diagnosed with cancer. Even though cancer is a terrifying diagnosis, hearing about those who have overcome it can give us a lot of hope. After all, we may think stars are invincible, but they are human, just like us. Throughout our lives, most of us will be affected by cancer in some way, whether it's ourselves, a loved one, or a friend who is diagnosed. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 40% of people will be diagnosed at some point.

To create this list of public figures who have defeated cancer, 24/7 Tempo consulted several lifestyle and entertainment publications, including IMDb. (Also See 13 of the Most Overlooked Cancer Symptoms.)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008

Ewan McGregor shared in 2008 that he had experienced skin cancer. He went to the doctor and a specialist suggested he remove several 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)