Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Australia and the second most common cause of cancer death. It is a cancer that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race.
Many famous people have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, including actors, actresses, athletes, politicians, and musicians. By telling their stories, Celebrities hope to raise awareness of the disease and encourage others to get screened.
Here are some stories of famous people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer:
Morgan Freeman Bowel Cancer
Morgan Freeman is one of the most celebrated actors in history, with a career spanning over five decades. In 2010, at the age of 73, Freeman was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and fortunately, the cancer did not spread. Freeman has spoken openly about his experience with bowel cancer and has encouraged others to get screened regularly.
Audrey Hepburn Bowel Cancer
Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn died in 1993 at the age of 63 from colon cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1992 and underwent treatment, but it ultimately spread to other parts of her body. Hepburn was one of the most famous and beloved actresses of her time. She starred in classic films such as “Roman Holiday,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “My Fair Lady.” She was also a philanthropist and advocate for children’s rights.
Alan Rickman Bowel Cancer
Alan Rickman was a British actor who was best known for his roles in films such as the Harry Potter series, Die Hard, and Sense and Sensibility. In 2015, Rickman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which spread to his liver and lungs. He died of the disease at the age of 69.
Michael Douglas Bowel Cancer
Michael Douglas is an actor and producer who has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. In 2010, Douglas was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and the cancer went into remission. Douglas has spoken about his experience with cancer, and has urged others to get regular screenings.
Kirstie Alley Bowel Cancer
American actress Kirstie Alley died in 2022 at the age of 71 after a battle with colon cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and shared her story with the public in an effort to raise awareness. Alley was a beloved actress who starred in popular films and television shows such as “Cheers,” “Look Who’s Talking,” and “Veronica’s Closet.” She was also a successful businesswoman and author.
Sharon Stone Bowel Cancer
Sharon Stone is an actress who is best known for her role in the film Basic Instinct. In 2001, Stone was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. She underwent surgery to repair the aneurysm, but she suffered a stroke during the operation. Stone made a full recovery, but she credits the experience with changing her life.
Katie Holmes Bowel Cancer
Katie Holmes is an actress who is best known for her role on the television series Dawson’s Creek. In 2010, Holmes’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Holmes’ mother passed away from the disease in 2011. In 2014, Holmes was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and the cancer went into remission. Holmes has spoken about her experience with cancer and has encouraged others to get regular screenings.
Chadwick Boseman Bowel Cancer
American actor Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 at the age of 43. He kept his diagnosis private and continued to work while undergoing treatment. He died in 2020 at the age of 43. Boseman’s death shocked the world and brought renewed attention to colon cancer, especially among younger people. He is remembered as a talented actor and a role model for many.
Elizabeth Montgomery Bowel Cancer
Elizabeth Montgomery was an actress who is best known for her role on the television series Bewitched. In 1995, Montgomery was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent surgery, but the cancer spread to her liver and lungs. Montgomery died of the disease at the age of 62.
Sharon Osbourne Bowel Cancer
Sharon Osbourne is a television personality and music manager. In 2002, Osbourne was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and the cancer went into remission. Osbourne has been a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and prevention.
Katie Couric Bowel Cancer
Katie Couric is a journalist and television personality. In 2000, Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer. In 2002, Couric had a colonoscopy on television to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Couric was later diagnosed with precancerous polyps, which were removed. Couric has continued to be a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and prevention.
Nancy Reagan Bowel Cancer
Nancy Reagan was the First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. In 1987, Reagan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and the cancer went into remission. Reagan was a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and prevention.
Bill Clinton Bowel Cancer
Bill Clinton is the 42nd President of the United States. In 2005, Clinton was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent surgery, and the cancer went into remission. Clinton has spoken about his experience with cancer and has encouraged others to get regular screenings.
Vince Lombardi Bowel Cancer
American football coach Vince Lombardi died in 1970 at the age of 57 from colon cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 1968 and underwent surgery, but it was unsuccessful. Lombardi was one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. He led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls. He is considered to be one of the greatest coaches in all of sports.
Pelé Bowel Cancer
Pelé is a retired Brazilian footballer who is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. In 2021, Pelé was diagnosed with colon cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Pelé has spoken about his experience with cancer and has encouraged others to get regular screenings.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Bowel Cancer
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020 at the age of 87 from complications of pancreatic cancer. She was also a survivor of colon cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 1999. Ginsburg underwent surgery and chemotherapy for her colon cancer, and she went into remission. She continued to serve on the Supreme Court for another 21 years after her diagnosis.
Ginsburg was a pioneer for women’s rights and a role model for many. She was also a tireless advocate for justice and equality.
These are just a few examples of famous people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Their stories can help to raise awareness of the disease and encourage others to get screened.
Conclusion
Bowel cancer is a serious disease, but it is often treatable if it is caught early. That’s why it’s so important to get screened regularly.
The stories of the famous people featured in this article are a reminder that bowel cancer can affect anyone. But they also show that it is possible to beat the disease with early detection and treatment.
At Direct Endoscopy, our Gastroenterologists provide comprehensive bowel cancer screening and gastroenterology consultations that’ll provide you with in-depth information about your cancer risk, risk factors, bowel cancer treatment options (if needed), and tailored medical advice.
If you are over the age of 50, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer, it is important to get screened regularly. Book an appointment at one of our 5 Melbourne Endoscopy Clinics.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_diagnosed_with_colorectal_cancer
Celebrities join forces to help tackle Australia’s second biggest cancer killer
https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/ss/slideshow-famous-people-colorectal-cancer
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/pictures/famous-people-with-colon-cancer/
Seven Celebrities Work to Raise Awareness about Colon Cancer
https://www.necn.com/news/national-international/kirstie-alley-was-diagnosed-with-colon-cancer-symptoms-to-know/2886091/
Stars Who Beat Cancer: Sharon Osbourne, Ewan McGregor and More
https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/203643/famous-people-colorectal-cancer
https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-who-died-of-colorectal-cancer/reference
https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2020/08/chadwick-boseman-colorectal-cancer
- Celebrities Diagnosed With Bowel Cancer - November 8, 2023
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