13 Celebrities Whose Lives Have Been Touched By Breast Cancer

Even for those of us who haven’t had it, breast cancer feels personal. One reason is that, since we’re talking about a disease that affects one in eight women, pretty much all of us have a family member or close friend who’s been diagnosed. But beyond that, we see the disease’s all-too-widespread impact mirrored in our popular culture time and time again. 

The same entertainment world that serves as our escape also serves as a regular reminder that nobody is immune from breast cancer’s devastating effects. Think of the cast of whatever ’90s TV series you were obsessed with—Beverly Hills 90210, Married With Children, Seinfeld, Sex and the City. Or if those aren’t your thing, think of the anchors of whatever morning show has long been integral to your a.m. routine. Chances are, one of these stars has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As have some of our lifelong favorite authors, stars of classic movies we grew up watching on repeat, the comedians who make us laugh ’til we cry, and even top-tier athletes we watched with awe. 

One thing all these celebrities share is a certain aura of invincibility—not to mention access to top-tier medical care, personal chefs, and trainers. Yet so many still find themselves in a fight for their lives against breast cancer, or find themselves fighting alongside someone they love dearly. As a reminder of this disease’s reach, here are 13 celebrities, among many more, whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.