Black Actresses Who Battled Cancer (& Won)

These resilient women faced life-altering diagnoses and used their platforms to advocate for early detection and health equity. From legends of the screen to modern television personalities, their stories highlight the importance of perseverance and medical care. They navigated grueling treatments while maintaining their careers in the public eye. The following list honors their strength and their ability to overcome one of life’s hardest challenges.

Wanda Sykes

The celebrated comedian and star of ‘Black-ish’ faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2011 after a cosmetic breast reduction surgery revealed early-stage cancer. Sykes chose to undergo a preventative double mastectomy to ensure the disease would not return or spread. She shared her story with humor and honesty to encourage women to trust their instincts and prioritize their health. Her decision to remove both breasts allowed her to live without the constant fear of recurrence. She continues to be a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness while making the world laugh.

Robin Roberts

This ‘Good Morning America’ anchor and actress has become a symbol of resilience after surviving two separate life-threatening illnesses. Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery and radiation to defeat the disease. Five years later she faced a rare blood and bone marrow disease called myelodysplastic syndrome which required a bone marrow transplant. Her transparency throughout both battles inspired millions of viewers to sign up for the bone marrow registry. She remains a powerful figure in entertainment and a beacon of hope for survivors.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Known for her iconic role in ‘Coming to America’, this actress was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at the age of 52. Calloway initially hoped for a lumpectomy but doctors found suspicious margins that led her to choose a mastectomy. She turned her personal health crisis into a crusade by launching a web series to educate women about breast cancer. Her story emphasizes that even women who prioritize fitness and diet can be affected by this disease. She has been cancer-free for over a decade and continues to act in major television dramas.

Diahann Carroll

The pioneering actress who broke barriers in ‘Julia’ and ‘Dynasty’ was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. She initially felt stunned by the news because she had no family history of the disease and led a healthy lifestyle. Carroll underwent a lumpectomy and nine weeks of radiation therapy to successfully treat the cancer. She decided to go public with her diagnosis to urge postmenopausal women to get regular mammograms. She remained a survivor and activist for over twenty years until her passing from other complications in 2019.

Ruby Dee

Legendary stage and screen actress Ruby Dee was a breast cancer survivor for more than four decades before she passed away from natural causes. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1970 long before the pink ribbon movement made the topic a common conversation. The star of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ treated the illness and continued her illustrious career without letting it slow her down. Her longevity serves as a testament to the effectiveness of early treatment and resilience. She lived a full and impactful life well into her nineties.

Robin Quivers

Best known for her long tenure on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ and her appearance in ‘Private Parts’, Quivers faced a terrifying diagnosis of stage 3C endometrial cancer in 2012. A grapefruit-sized tumor was discovered in her pelvic area which required intensive surgery and chemotherapy. She kept her battle largely private until she announced she was cancer-free a year later. Although she faced a recurrence in 2016, she has successfully managed the condition with immunotherapy and remains an active voice in radio. Her journey highlights the possibilities of living a full life even with a chronic cancer diagnosis.

Roxanne Shanté

Hip-hop icon and subject of the biopic ‘Roxanne Roxanne’, this rapper and actress is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed in 2009 after discovering a lump during a self-exam. Shanté underwent a lumpectomy and radiation but the cancer returned years later requiring further treatment. She now views her surgical scars as beauty marks and evidence of her triumph over the disease. She frequently uses her social media platforms to remind Black women to attend their mammogram appointments.

Tina Knowles

The fashion designer and television personality revealed in 2024 that she had successfully treated stage one breast cancer. Knowles discovered the condition early after a routine mammogram spotted a small spot that required a lumpectomy. The mother of global superstars uses her experience to stress the vital importance of early detection and regular screenings. She noted that her busy schedule almost caused her to skip the appointment that saved her life. She is now cancer-free and continues to advocate for women’s health issues.

Guerdy Abraira

Star of ‘The Real Housewives of Miami’, Abraira faced a shocking breast cancer diagnosis in early 2023. The event planner and reality actress tackled the disease with a radical surgery and chemotherapy regimen while documenting the process for her fans. She declared herself cancer-free later that same year after ringing the radiation bell. Her openness about the physical toll of treatment helped destigmatize the cancer journey for younger women. She credits her swift action and medical team for her complete recovery.

Please share your thoughts on these inspiring stories of survival in the comments.