October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to honor the survivors who were able to fight the disease and remember those who have died. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It is estimated that 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. According to the American Cancer Society, black women are 40% more likely to develop breast cancer than white women. Additionally, the mortality rate for black women under 50 is twice as high as that for white women in the same age group. See some of our favorite Black celebrities who have beaten breast cancer.
01
Robin Roberts
Good morning America Presenter Robin Roberts shared her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 after discovering a lump during a self-exam. During her journey with cancer, viewers saw her shave her head and discuss the challenges and successes of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 9: Robin Roberts attends the 92nd Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 9, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
02
Wanda Sykes
Well-known comedian Wanda Sykes underwent breast reduction surgery in 2011. As a result of the operation, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), commonly referred to as stage 0 breast cancer, was unexpectedly discovered. Because of her family’s history of breast cancer, Sykes underwent a double mastectomy.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Wanda Sykes attends Deadline Contenders Television at Directors Guild Of America on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Deadline via Getty Images)
03
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway was diagnosed with stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 9: Vanessa Bell Calloway attends the 2023 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
04
Ananda Lewis
Ananda Lewis hosted BET’s Teen Peak and MTVs TRL from the 80s to the early 2000s. In 2020, she publicly announced her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. Lewis shared that she has been battling the disease for two years.
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: TV personality Ananda Lewis attends Hallmark’s “Home & Family” at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 21, 2019 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
05
Bershan Shaw
Bershan Shaw, known for his performances in The Real Housewives of New York CityIn 2007, she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 2: Bershan Shaw arrives at the Race To Erase MS 30th Anniversary Gala at Fairmont Century Plaza on June 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
06
Dr. Jacqueline Walters
Dr. Jackie practiced as an OB/GYN in Atlanta, Georgia, but is now known as a reality television star on Bravo’s hit show “Married to Medicine.” She is also a two-time breast cancer survivor. She also founded the 50 Shades of Pink Foundation for Breast Cancer Warriors.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 24: Television personality Dr. Jacqueline Walters at the screening of “The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks” and panel discussion with Renee Elise Goldsberry, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Dr. Jackie Walters and Tanika Gray Valbrun of The White Dress Project at World of Coca Cola on August 24, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for The White Dress Project)
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