Celebrities Who Have Battled Cancer

While cancer is a devastating illness, it is not one that discriminates.  Just as there are many children and parents who have the disease, there are also many celebrities with cancer who cope with the disease while remaining in the public spotlight. 

Michael Douglas is one of the most recently announced celebrities with cancer.  Diagnosed with stage four throat cancer, Douglas attributes the disease to levels of stress, as well as bad habits throughout his life and career.

Michael C. Hall, star of the television show Dexter, has also been diagnosed with cancer, though it is now in remission.  Hodgkin’s lymphoma was Hall’s diagnosis, and he has since worked with other celebrities with cancer to spread awareness of the condition.

Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009, shortly after announcing that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  His fight was a struggle spent largely in the public eye, and he is perhaps one of the most well known celebrities who battled cancer.

Also on the list of celebrities with cancer is the late Farrah Fawcett, who also passed away in 2009.  Fawcett tried a number of alternative and traditional treatments before losing her battle.

While speaking out about cancer was once considered taboo, celebs today are working hard to raise public awareness of the disease.  By bringing cancer into the public spotlight, it is hoped that more people will seek an early diagnosis.