Top 10 Celebrity Cancer Survivors

Many celebrities have publically battled cancer and won. Whether it’s Christina Applegate, Kylie Minogue, or Lance Armstrong, we can look to these cancer warriors for hope and inspiration. Here’s our Top 10 list for celebrities who have battled a urologic form of cancer and survived.

1. Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong has seven consecutive Tour de France wins (1999 to 2005) under his belt. That’s a tremendous accomplishment in itself. But when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain, the superstar athlete started the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997, better known as LIVESTRONG. His foundation works to provide cancer support and awareness to people all over the world. He really is a champion for cancer.

2. Tom Green

MTV personality and comedian, Tom Green, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2000. He married actress Drew Barrymore who helped him through treatment. Unfortunately, the marriage was short lived. But Tom went on to become a big advocate for cancer awareness. He did a one-hour television special called “The Tom Green Cancer Special,” and even penned a book about his experience titled Hollywood Causes Cancer: The Tom Green Story in 2004.

3. Scott Hamilton

The 1984 Olympic gold medalist for figure skating was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1997. After undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments he was back on the ice within a year.

4. Nelson Mandela

Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001. He underwent radiation treatment and has been clear of cancer since 2004.

5. Andrew Lloyd Webber

The famous composer of musicals such as Evita, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. Webber was very open about his battle with the disease and even wrote a public journal about his experience for London’s Daily Mail.

“I suspect men are deeply embarrassed about any problem that suggests it affects their libido or masculinity,” wrote Webber. “Yet prostate cancer kills a man every 13 minutes. A man is diagnosed every 2.6 minutes. It is the most common form of tumour in men. But prostate cancer, if caught early enough, can be completely eradicated.”

6. Harry Belafonte

Actor and activist, Harry Belafonte was diagnosed in 1996 and has since become not only a survivor, but a passionate activist for prostate cancer awareness.

7. Robert DeNiro

Legendary actor, Robert DeNiro, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and is said to have undergone a prostatectomy. Though he was very private about his diagnosis and treatment, he has been cancer free ever since.

8. John Kerry

2004 Democratic presidential front runner, John Kerry, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002 after a routine PSA test. He made a full recovery after surgery and has remained cancer free.

9. Rudy Giuliani

The former New York City Mayor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. Giuliani’s father died of the disease, so he knew the risks. He told USA Today: "Looking back on it now, making the decision to deal with the diagnosis and treatment promptly not only may have saved my life, but made it possible for me to serve my city when it needed me most."

10. Colin Powell

Former Secretary of State, Colon Powell, underwent radical prostatectomy surgery in 2004 and made a full recovery.