Actresses Who Battled Cancer (& Won)

These women faced cancer with determination and used their experience to raise awareness, support research, and help others understand what treatment and recovery can look like. Their stories include early detection, tough decisions about surgery and therapy, and ongoing advocacy for screenings and patient support. Each one demonstrates how information, community, and access to care make a powerful difference. Here are actresses who came through the fight and continue to work and lead in public life.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus shared her breast cancer diagnosis and documented her treatment while continuing to champion access to care. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery and later announced she was cancer free. She has supported organizations that expand screening and treatment options for people without adequate coverage. She returned to work on projects including ‘Veep’ and ‘You People’ while continuing advocacy for early detection.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate revealed she carried a genetic mutation that increased her risk and chose a double mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis. She later had reconstructive surgery and has used her platform to encourage genetic testing and regular screenings. She founded a nonprofit that helps young women navigate diagnosis and treatment choices. She continued acting in projects like ‘Dead to Me’ and remains active in awareness campaigns.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates survived ovarian cancer and later breast cancer, experiences that also led to lymphedema after lymph node removal. She became a national spokesperson for lymphedema education and pushes for better insurance coverage of compression garments. Bates speaks frequently about symptom recognition and the importance of second opinions. She has continued a busy screen career with roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Richard Jewell’.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram and opted for a lumpectomy followed by radiation. She chose to keep her diagnosis private until after treatment, then became an ambassador for patient education. Nixon works with groups that promote screening access in underserved communities. She has continued performing in ‘And Just Like That…’ and supports initiatives focused on early detection.

Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross disclosed her anal cancer diagnosis and discussed how it was linked to the human papillomavirus. She completed treatment and has since focused on public education about HPV prevention and routine screenings. Cross frequently shares practical information about symptoms and talking with physicians. She continues her screen work after ‘Desperate Housewives’ and participates in survivor forums.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes learned she had ductal carcinoma in situ and chose a preventive double mastectomy after consultation with her doctors. She describes the decision making process to help others weigh options with their medical teams. Sykes uses interviews and events to highlight the value of early detection and pathology details like DCIS. She continues acting and writing for projects including ‘The Upshaws’.

Cobie Smulders

Cobie Smulders was treated for ovarian cancer in her mid twenties and underwent multiple surgeries. She later spoke about how symptoms can be easy to miss and encouraged listeners to track persistent changes. Smulders emphasizes follow up imaging and regular checkups for survivors. She returned to prominent roles in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Stumptown’ and supports awareness efforts.

Fran Drescher

Fran Drescher spent years seeking answers before receiving a uterine cancer diagnosis, then had surgery and recovered. She founded Cancer Schmancer to push for early detection and patient self-advocacy. The organization provides tools to recognize symptoms and navigate the healthcare system. Drescher continues acting and leads initiatives that teach people how to partner effectively with their doctors.

Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson announced her breast cancer diagnosis and chose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. She frequently discusses getting second opinions and understanding pathology reports before deciding on treatment. Wilson supports patient navigator programs that help families manage appointments and insurance. She returned to work in film and television and performs as a recording artist.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda shared her non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and underwent chemotherapy before announcing remission. She used her platform to explain how treatment plans are tailored to the individual and to encourage regular checkups. Fonda continues to support organizations focused on research and patient services. She remains active on screen with projects like ‘Grace and Frankie’ while promoting health literacy.

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney paused filming to undergo surgery and treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis. She later returned to acting and has spoken about the importance of early screening and taking time for recovery. Tierney highlights workplace flexibility and supportive environments for people in treatment. She went on to star in ‘The Affair’ and ‘American Rust’ after finishing care.

Krysta Rodriguez

Krysta Rodriguez was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late twenties and shared her experience through a blog that detailed treatment and recovery. She has participated in campaigns aimed at younger patients who may feel overlooked by traditional resources. Rodriguez explains fertility preservation, side effects, and support networks for people in active care. She resumed roles on television in ‘Smash’ and on stage while continuing outreach.

Ann Jillian

Ann Jillian publicly discussed her breast cancer diagnosis and opted for a double mastectomy, later becoming a well known patient advocate. She toured hospitals and events to encourage open conversations about body image and survivorship. Jillian focuses on the emotional and logistical parts of care such as family communication and decision making. She continued acting and speaking while supporting fundraising for research.

Mindy Cohn

Mindy Cohn revealed she battled breast cancer and went through a lengthy course of treatment that included surgery and therapy. She credits a strong care team and consistent follow up for her recovery. Cohn speaks about the value of persistence when symptoms do not add up and seeking additional opinions. She has continued acting and supports organizations that provide resources to patients and caregivers.

Share the names we missed and your own stories about how these actresses inspired you in the comments.