From Diagnosis to Hope: 5 Brave Stars Share Real Stories of Breast Cancer Survival

Originally published on 10/2/25

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year it somehow manages to be even more inspirational, inspiring and moving than ever before. This year, to draw attention to this very important month, we have rounded up the stories of five brave women who have battled the disease. From Danielle Fishel to Hoda Kotb, they truly are the epitome of strength and bravery.

Danielle Fishel

In 2024, Fishel, 44, revealed on her podcast Pod Meets World (devoted to her series Boy Meets World) that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It is very early. It’s technically stage zero. I was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS with micro invasion and I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it,” she said in the episode, before sharing her message to women everywhere. “The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage 0 is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment.”

“The fact that I am good about going to my doctor’s appointments when, truthfully, it would be so much easier, being as busy as I am, to say, ‘I don’t have time for that. I went for my mammogram last year, I was fine.’ And I didn’t … and they found it so early that I’m going to be fine,” she continued. “I want to share this because I hope that it will encourage everyone to get in there. If it’s time for your appointment, if you’ve never had an appointment before, get in there. If you have to find out that you have cancer, find out when it’s at stage 0, if possible.”

Fishel is currently starring on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, and has used that platform as a way to further elevate the importance of breast cancer awareness and women’s health. She is believed to be in remission.

Hoda Kotb

In 2007, Kotb underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to remove a cancerous lump in her breast. Now, 18 years later, the mom of two is cancer free and strives to be a voice for women everywhere.

“It’s part of me, but not all of me,” Kotb said, per Today.com. “If you survive breast cancer, it could be the best thing that happened to you because suddenly you are empowered; because you have strength now; because you realize that your life has margins—it’s to be valued and not wasted.”

Since her cancer diagnosis. Kotb became a mother, a co-host on the Today show and wrote several books. She is now retired, but remains very active on her social media accounts.

Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee is a chef, author and former first Lady of New York. She is also a breast cancer survivor. In 2015, Lee shared that she had been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and had undergone a lumpectomy as well as double mastectomy to remove it.

“For me to withhold my breast cancer diagnosis would have been disingenuous,” she said, per the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “My fan base and I have had a strong connected relationship. I take the responsibility of being their friend, advocate and activist to heart.”

Lee is now 59 years old and cancer free. She currently is working as a chef and social media influencer. She has also been on the cover of Woman’s World several different times, and you can view her most recent interview here.

Kathy Bates

In 2012 Kathy Bates underwent a double mastectomy to help remove the cancer found in her breasts. She then underwent chemotherapy as well as radiation. Following both of those, Bates shared that she would not be getting a breast reconstruction, even though a lot of breast cancer survivors do.

“I decided not to have reconstruction because at the age I was, I thought, you know, I really don’t wanna go through that. I just didn’t wanna go through it,” she said on the MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler podcast in November of 2024. “I wasn’t in a relationship, I was older and I didn’t think I would be in a relationship, and it’s always kind of like, ‘Why do I have to?’”

Bates is now 77 years old and is working on the release of Matlock Season 2—which will air on CBS this fall.

Christina Applegate

In 2008 Christina Applegate underwent a double mastectomy to get rid of the lump found in her breast. She has been cancer free ever since and often uses her platform as an actress to draw attention to the disease.

“I learned that lesson the hard way because in 2008, when I had breast cancer at 36 years old, I went out and I was the good girl talking about, ‘Oh, I love my new boobs’ that are all scarred and f—ed up. What was I thinking?” she said on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast in March of 2024. “Everything I was saying was a freaking lie. It was me trying to convince myself of something, and I think that did no service to anyone. Yes, I started a foundation right away. Yes, I did all the things that I had to do and we raised millions of dollars for women to get MRIs who were at high risk. Yes, we did a good thing, but at the back of it, I was taking off my bra and crying every night. And I wish that I had said that.”

Applegate is now 53 years old and in the midst of a battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Link to original: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year it somehow manages to be even more inspirational, inspiring and moving than ever before. This year, to draw attention to this very important month, we have rounded up the stories of five brave women who have battled the disease. From Danielle Fishel to Hoda Kotb, they truly are the epitome of strength and bravery.