As you get older, it seems everywhere you turn someone is being diagnosed with breast cancer. From kindergarten teachers to celebrities, this disease does not discriminate.
Actress Christina Applegate is now added to that list of women battling the disease.
FoxNews reports, Ame Van Iden, publicist for the 36-year-old actress, released the following statement:
"Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor ordered MRI, the cancer is not life threatening. Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery."
Generally, there are no symptoms of breast cancer, but signs of breast cancer can include a breast lump or an abnormal mammogram. Breast cancer stages range from early, curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, with a variety of breast cancer treatments.
It sounds as if Applegate caught hers early enough to find the best treatment solution. There are several treatments that Applegate's doctor has to choose from with all the advancements that continue to be made. Treatments range from surgery to remove the infection to radiation to chemotherapy to hormone therapy.
Getting breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Regular exams should still continue to take place.
Monthly breast self-exams should be taken every month beginning at the age of 20. We hear this every year, but how many of us actually do it. I can admit that I don't check every month and have gotten very relaxed with yearly check-ups. Going to get your yearly exam can be a lifesaver. Look at Christina Applegate-she was able to catch it early.
Applegate has become a staple in primetime sitcoms. We all remember her ditzy character from Married With Children. She won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2003 for her portrayal of Amy Green, the younger sister of Jennifer Aniston's character on "Friends." That was one of my favorite roles for her-she was easy to hate as she tried to seduce Ross.
Applegate earned a 2005 Tony Award nomination for her Broadway role in "Sweet Charity."
She currently has hit primetime once again playing the lead character in Samantha Who.
Applegate is among the celebrities scheduled to appear on the "Stand Up To Cancer" one-hour television special to be aired on ABC, CBS and NBC on Sept. 5 to raise funds for cancer research.
Our thoughts go out to Applegate at this time. Her work and talent is commendable so we pray for a speedy recovery and are grateful she caught it early.
