Breast Cancer Survivor Olivia Newton-John Shares Her Story

In July 1992, the same weekend her father died, singer Olivia Newton-John discovered she had breast cancer. It struck an emotional blow to the healthy-living pop star, who had no family history of the disease and whose initial tests had shown the cysts in her breasts were benign.

Dedicating herself to surviving this crisis, the singer dove in to treatments both traditional and alternative, including meditation and acupuncture. After undergoing surgery and several months of chemotherapy, she received a clean bill of health.

Thirteen years later, breast cancer awareness is still a passion for the “Grease” star, and she’s raising money to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. She is also a spokeswoman for the Liv Aid, a tool that women use during breast self-examinations to detect lumps that may indicate cancer.

Evergreen Medical Center: How did you feel when you learned you had breast cancer?

Olivia Newton-John: I made a lot of jokes at first, because that was my way of coping with it. And then, later on, when I had time to really take it in, of course I was fearful. That's pretty natural.

EMC: What were the circumstances of your breast cancer diagnosis?

ONJ: I always have been pretty vigilant about checkups. I had lumps before, and I had them checked out and they were benign, but this particular time I just didn't feel like myself. My doctor did a mammogram, which was negative, and a needle biopsy, which showed the lump was benign. But I didn't feel right, and neither did my doctor, so I had a surgical biopsy and that's when we found it. So I say this to encourage women to trust their instincts and to make sure they have a good doctor too.

EMC: How are the plans coming along for your cancer center?

ONJ: We’ve had some wonderful philanthropic donations. I will also be raising some money myself, because I want to build a ward in my mother's name. I'm hoping that we'll have the money in the next four years.

EMC: Finally, what is your best advice, as someone who has survived breast cancer, to other women who go through this struggle?

ONJ: Keep positive thoughts and try to talk to somebody who's gone through it. Find a support group so you don't feel alone. Know that you're not alone. Chances are, particularly with early detection, there's a good chance of survival.

Healthcare from the Heart.