LIST: 10 celebrities who have survived breast cancer

Gloria Steinem is a notable women’s rights activist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986. Steinem continues her work as a womens rights activist after a successful lumpectomy. 

Richard Roundtree, famous for his appearance in the 1970s “Shaft” movies was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 at the age of 51. Roundtree underwent a mastectomy as well as six months of chemotherapy in order to help eliminate any remaining cancer cells.  He is now in recovery and travels the country to raise awareness about male breast cancer.

Robin Roberts, co-anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” successfully recovered from breast cancer at the age of 46 after undergoing a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy in 2007. Although Roberts recovered from her breast cancer diagnosis, she developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disease which was a result of her cancer treatment. Her MDS is treated with chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

In 2007, at the age of 43, Hoda Kotb, an international broadcast journalist and co-anchor for the “Today” show, had a mastectomy after her gynecologist discovered a suspicious lump in her breast during a routine checkup.  

Founding member and drummer of the band KISS, Peter Criss was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 62. Criss survived his diagnosis after undergoing a lumpectomy in February of 2008 and a mastectomy the following month.  

Ann Romney, the wife of 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, was diagnosed in 2009 at the age of 59. Romney’s early detection prevented her from having to go through chemo and only surgery and radiation were necessary.  

Actress and comedian Wanda Sykes was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in her left breast in 2011. As a result of her diagnosis, Sykes opted for a double mastectomy as a preventative measure and to ensure a healthy life in the future.

Judy Blume, acclaimed children’s author, received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 at the age of 74. She received a mastectomy six weeks after her diagnosis and is in full recovery. 

“Good Morning America” anchor Amy Robach had her first ever mammogram on live television in October of 2013 to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Robach received her results a month later and communicated with the viewers that the screening had detected cancer. As a result of her diagnosis she had surgery to remove both of her breasts.  

67 year-old Mathew Knowles, father to Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, recently opened up about his breast cancer diagnosis in July of this year. Knowles had surgery to remove his breast and will have a secondary surgery in January to have the second breast removed as a preventative measure.