February 4 of every year is marked as World C*ancer Day. Founded by the Union for International C*ancer Control (UICC), the day is set aside to raise awareness about the d*isease and also highlight preventive as well as treatment measures.
According to UICC, World C*ancer Day “aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about c*ancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the d*isease.”
To mark the day, Face2Face Africa highlights 6 notable black celebrities who battled c*ancer and won.
Nile Rodgers
The legendary musician was diagnosed with prostate c*ancer in 2010 but overcame it in 2013 after undergoing treatment.
Colin Powell
The former U.S. Secretary of State was diagnosed with prostate c*ancer in 2003 but became c*ancer-free after undergoing prostatectomy.
Colin Powell — Photo Credit: Department of State of the United States of America
Harry Belafonte
The legendary musician, actor and civil rights activist was diagnosed with early-stage prostate c*ancer in 1996. He, however, became c*ancer-free after undergoing treatment.
Wanda Sykes
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes was diagnosed with breast c*ancer in 2011 and she subsequently had a double mastectomy.
Ironically, Sykes had been given a clean bill of health when she previously underwent a mammogram and biopsy before having breast reduction surgery.
“I had just had a mammogram and a biopsy, and it all came back negative, if I hadn’t had the reduction, who knows what would have happened,” Sykes told People Magazine in 2011. Sykes has remained c*ancer free.
Richard Roundtree
The actor was diagnosed with breast c*ancer in 1993 to which he underwent successful mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Mr T
The actor and entertainer was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma c*ancer in 1995 but became free after treatment.