Filed under: Celebrity fundraisers Popular celebrities like Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson have lent their signature style to the fight against cancer by designing charms that reflect their own character, which will be sold with the profits going to a prominent UK cancer charity. The charms are appearing on a necklace that is being sold at Wallis for about $51USD each. Moss' charm is a petite swallow, while Johansson's is a vibrant yellow and orange lilly. Other contributors include designer Christian Louboutin and comedian Catherin Tate. I think it's great to see celebrities and designers offering their time and their good taste towards a good cause. Don't you agree? Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Celebrity in memoriam Most of us know someone who has or had cancer -- a relative, a friend, a neighbour. Some of us know people who have or had cancer and we don't even know it. And then there are people we don't know but who we know of, people whose stories we know even though we've never met them. This blog lists 10 famous people who've battled cancer and I'll admit that some of these I didn't know. Here they are:

• Bob Marley: The iconic musician died as a result of melanoma
• Kylie Minogue: This starlet was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago but it's in remission now.
• Delta Goodrem: This Aussie popstar was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease when she was 18 and is since in remission

• Ronald Regan: Was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1985 and skin cancer in 1987 - both were surgically removed
• Walt Disney: Died of lung cancer in 1966
• Steve Jobs: the co-founder of Apple was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is now in remission.
• Nelson Mandela: The former South African leader was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 and is in remission
• Lance Armstrong: Was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 and given a 2% chance at survival. This was before he won the Tour de France.
• Isaac Asimov: The science fiction writer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1972.
• Sigmund Freud: was diagnosed with mouth cancer in the 1930s (too many cigars?) and subsequently underwent over 30 operations to remove the tumors in his jaw. His friend euthanized him at his request in 1939.

Obviously this isn't a comprehensive list of famous people who've had cancer. In fact, it doesn't really even scratch the surface. But it's a start. Which ones surprised you? Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: All Cancers , Politics These days, politics and cancer seem to go hand in hand. In February, United States Representative Charles Norwood , from Augusta, Georgia, died of lung cancer. In March, Virginia Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis revealed the breast cancer she fought in 2005 had recurred. A few days ago Elizabeth Edwards , wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, shared that her own breast cancer, originally diagnosed in 2004, has relocated to her bones. United States Press secretary Tony Snow is a colon cancer survivor. Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani is a prostate cancer survivor. Candidate John McCain has had three bouts with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Bob Dole, now 83, was a cancer survivor at age 73 when he ran for the White House as the 1996 Republican presidential nominee against President Clinton. And the 2004 Democratic nominee, John Kerry, had prostate cancer surgery in 2003. If I did more research, I bet I'd turn up a whole slew of other politicians who have received a direct hit from cancer. But that's not necessary. I think what I'm trying to demonstrate is already clear. Take any sector of society and cancer will somehow be woven into the lives of those who define the population. Athletes and cancer. Celebrities and cancer. Musicians and cancer. Kids and cancer. Young moms and cancer. Men and cancer. Politicians and cancer. This brings me to my next point -- cancer is widespread, so widespread it surfaces over and over again within any given group of people. This makes me sad. But this infiltration of the disease also means none of us is alone. And as a woman with cancer; a young mom with cancer; a wife, a daughter, a sister with cancer; and a writer with cancer, this makes me feel comforted, supported, and utterly strong. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Television , Cancer Survivors Celebrities catch our attention. They cause us to pay attention too -- which is likely why the media uses celebrities and prominent people to send messages about all sorts of issues, like breast cancer. It's not just the real-life survivor celebrity stories -- about Melissa Etheridge and Elizabeth Edwards and Sheryl Crow -- that make headlines and attract ratings. It's also the portrayal of cancer survivors on television that raises awareness about this disease. It's not a new trend -- it started long ago when All in the Family's Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) experienced a breast cancer scare, marking one of the first times the issue of breast cancer was discussed openly on TV. Tough cop Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly) of the TV show Cagney & Lacey traveled a breast cancer journey. Sisters eldest sister Alex (Swoosie Kurtz) was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived chemotherapy with family by her side. Beverly Hills, 90210 character Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) found a lump in her breast and shed light on the fact that young women are not immune to breast cancer. Sex and the City's Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) developed breast cancer and proudly pulled off her wig on television. The L Word's Dana Fairbanks (Erin Daniels) lost her battle with breast cancer. And on Angela's Eyes, FBI agent Angela Henson recently learned her mother once had breast cancer -- and that it has come back. There are many others television story lines woven with the thread of breast cancer. They draw viewers and boost ratings. They also raise awareness -- because people pay attention to celebrities. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Celebrity cancer diagnosis , Cancer Survivors When Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, there was a sudden surge in the number of young women requesting breast cancer screening. Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 37 raised concern among a younger population of women that breast cancer is a diagnosis that could potentially happen to them. Knowledge is power and education saves lives. The increase in breast cancer awareness became known as the Kylie Effect. However, the awareness that younger women can develop breast cancer has led some women to age-related conclusions about breast cancer that are not true, and this is also being referred to as the Kylie Effect. According to a recent survey of 2,289 women conducted by Cancer Research UK, 77 percent of the survey participants said that breast cancer risk was higher for women under the age of 70, and 33 percent said that women under the age of 50 were most at risk. The fact is cancer risk increases with age, and four out of five women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50. "Celebrities with breast cancer like Kylie Minogue and Caron Keating have attracted a lot of publicity -- especially in magazines aimed at younger women. This is very beneficial in that it raises awareness of breast cancer. But the down side is that it may also set up a chain of panic among young women, while misleading older women to think that ageing is not a relevant factor in breast cancer," stated Dr Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK. For a retrospective of Kylie Minogue's breast cancer journey:

• Kylie Minogue: voted favorite traveling companion of men.
• Kylie Minogue: world exclusive interview with Sky One.
• Kylie Minogue loses close friend and personal chauffeur to cancer.
• Kylie Minogue: back on stage as a breast cancer survivor.
• Kylie Minogue: laughter is the best medicine for cancer cure.
• Dannii Minogue: sings under pressure about sister Kylie.
• Kylie Minogue breast cancer survivor glows in health.
• Kylie Minogue: cancer survivor writes children's book.
• Kylie Minogue joins women in fight for Herceptin.
• Kylie Minogue in breast cancer remission.

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Filed under: Breast Cancer , Cancer Survivors , Survivor Spotlight It is no secret that our culture has a fascination with celebrities. In attempting to figure out exactly why, I have come to the conclusion it might be no more of a mystery other than they are people we all know in common. As human beings, we are naturally intrigued by other human beings. But if I try to talk to you about my neighbor, and you do not live in my neighborhood, you will have no idea who I am talking about or how to relate information I am sharing about that person because you have no point of reference. However, celebrities are people we all know of -- they become familiar in that we hear about them every day -- we see images of them every day in the news. Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, a woman might not have paid much attention to breast cancer. Oh yes, the breast cancer awareness campaigns are raising awareness, but we do not really like to spent too much time dwelling on potentially life-threatening events unless we are compelled to do so -- usually with a breast cancer diagnosis. Over at Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Tekla blogged the top ten things this group of moms have learned since they began blogging seven months ago in Moms boobs and other lessons learned . Interestingly, and unfortunately accurate, number six on the list is: "6. If you talk about breast cancer, your blog stats go way down for days and days. Everyone knows it's something women need to deal with, but clearly no one wants to read about it." And so, if you are newly-diagnosed with breast cancer, or know someone who is, and haven't spent much time focused on breast cancer before diagnosis, there are many women we all know in common who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and many of them as breast cancer survivors. In time, you will personally meet other breast cancer survivors and realize you are not alone and be inspired by their hope, strength, courage and companionship. Until then, you can read an extensive list of 100 famous women who have faced breast cancer down and gone on -- here . Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Celebrity fundraisers , Products , Cancer Survivors Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, and breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow was honored with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Humanitarian Award at the annual symposium and luncheon event at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Crow has joined the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to promote breast cancer prevention and raise funds for research in finding a cure. During her music tour with John Mayer, Crow donated 50 cents of every concert ticket sold to the breast cancer organization. She also offered a breast cancer t-shirt with her logo design for sale with 100 percent of the profits donated to BCRF. The t-shirt is now available on Crow's website. In addition, Crow has lent her support to jewelry designer Mauri Pioppo, who created a very special Sundari necklace to benefit BCRF during October. According to the product details, "Sundari is the Hindu Goddess of beauty and grace, and Mauri Pioppo was inspired by Sheryl Crow's courage in the face of her personal experience with breast cancer to createthe Sundari necklace." Crow is an incredibly talented singer songwriter. She is also an awesome lady with a healthy sense of humor. During the luncheon in which she was given the Humanitarian Award, she remarked to the audience, "In a show business world that puts so much emphasis on cleavage, I was never known for my breasts until I got breast cancer." Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Breast Cancer , Pink products , Cancer events , Celebrity fundraisers Worldwide, and through the month of October, Hard Rock Cafes are hosting the Rocktoberfest to raise money for breast cancer research in finding a cancer cure. During Rocktoberfest, patrons can attend live music events featuring popular and up-and-coming female artists. This year The Go-Go's have joined in promoting breast cancer awareness and in raising research funds to find a cure. In addition, Hard Rock International is offering Hard Rock's new and exclusive Limited Edition 2006 Breast Cancer Awareness Pin. 100 percent of the net proceeds will go to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. The pin features an acoustic guitar bearing the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer, along with the message Stop Breast Cancer for Life. You can purchase a pin at any of the Hard Rock Cafes or online at the Hard Rock Cafe estore . Rocktoberfest artists performing in U.S. cafes include Alexa Ray Joel, Toby Lightman, The Randies, The Duhks, Liz Berlin, the Thrusters and Slacktone. Overseas, performers include Melanie C, Bonnie Tyler and Keisha White. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Chemotherapy , Celebrity cancer diagnosis , All Cancers , Celebrity news , Cancer Survivors The power of positivity is subjective when it comes to cancer survival. There are those who argue that keeping up a positive attitude puts too much pressure on cancer patients. I think it depends on who you are at the time of cancer diagnosis, and what your individual personality style is in facing adversity, that is far more relevant to being a survivor. Last Wednesday, when the news broke that Farrah Fawcett had been diagnosed with cancer, she asked that her privacy be respected. As is the case with most celebrities, it was not likely to happen. We have seen almost constant coverage in the details of her cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the paparazzi have captured in photographs her every movement. On Friday, Fawcett issued a statement that she is remaining positive that she will survive cancer. However private she desired her battle with cancer to be, it seems the only thing she could do was make a public statement -- considering the news coverage. "Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one's own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges. I am resolutely strong and I am determined to bite the bullet and fight the fight while going through the next six weeks of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment. I should be able to return to my life as it was before at the end of my treatment. I am so grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of concern, love, prayers and compassion from all over the world. You are all a source of enduring strength." From what I understand, Fawcett has faced all of life's adversities with a fighting spirit. It is in her character to do so, but for other cancer patients, who have different personality styles, a fighting spirit may not have been the coping style that has gotten them through life thus far, and would not be the coping style they need now to survive cancer. So it is important to note, that the statement Fawcett issued, entitled Positivity is a Necessity , is true for her. We negotiate through life, and face the inevitable adversities that will come our way, with a spirit uniquely our own. I, as a cancer survivor, have a fighting spirit and so I know intimately what Fawcett is referring to when she talks about the power of a strong positive will. But I have seen others approach cancer survivorship with a gentler approach, and survive as well. The human spirit can rise up out of the abyss of unimaginable tragedy, but there are many ways to ascend. I think Farrah Fawcett, and all cancer survivors, would be the first ones to agree -- do what works for you. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Celebrity cancer diagnosis , Television , Daily news Before the sun sets on this day, you are going to hear that Farrah Fawcett has been treated for colon cancer. Currently being reported in London newspapers -- here , here , and here -- the National Enquirer is running an exclusive story that Fawcett, famous poster sex symbol from the days of Charlie's Angels fame in the 70s, has already undergone radiation and surgery for a tumor found by doctors after her appearance at the Emmy Awards with Charlie's Angels co-stars Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson. It might be true, and if so, we hope only the best for Farrah Fawcett. But we should hold out for something more substantial than the news being reported now, because we all remember the Whitney Houston brain tumor news, and Steven Tyler's throat cancer news. Which is why I am mentioning it here -- for a little cautionary perspective. Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments