In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're paying tribute to some of the celebrities who've fought the disease in a very public way. We applaud both the courage of these women and the efforts they have made in speaking out for the cause.
— Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
Joan Lunden
Credit: Getty / Paul Morigi
Former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer this past June. She has been outspoken about her diagnosis, discussing it on-air and even shooting the cover of People after losing her hair.
Credit: Getty / Steve Granitz
Actress and fitness guru Jane Fonda was diagnosed with a noninvasive cancer after having a lump removed in 2010. She is now cancer-free.
Kim Gordon
Credit: Getty / Jemal Countess
After separating from her husband and Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore in 2011, Kim Gordon was diagnosed with noninvasive breast cancer. She was treated with a lumpectomy and is now back to performing.
Hoda Kotb
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At 43, Today show anchor Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured a very public battle. She let Today show cameras follow her every step of the way — from her mastectomy, treatment, and reconstructive surgery. After she announced she was cancer-free, the Today show aired her very public journey.
Robin Roberts
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Good Morning America cohost Robin Roberts was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, emphasizing the importance of doing self breast exams and attending regular doctor visits. Although she beat breast cancer, she was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome and is currently undergoing treatment.
Sheryl Crow
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In 2006, Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after splitting from fiancé and fellow survivor Lance Armstrong. The 47-year-old singer underwent minimally invasive surgery to treat the disease but has recently been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.
Suzanne Somers
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Suzanne Somers went public about her battle with breast cancer on Larry King Live in 2001. Somers underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer followed by radiation therapy but sparked controversy for choosing alternative medicine over chemotherapy.
Jaclyn Smith
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Charlie's Angels actress Jaclyn Smith underwent a lumpectomy and radiation to treat her cancer in 2002.
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