Christina Applegate Double Mastectomy Rumors
Rumor: Actress Christina Applegate has undergone a double mastectomy, The National Enquirer claims.
“The operation was the ultimate preventive measure. Christina will be undergoing a course of chemotherapy, which is often a follow-up procedure to the mastectomy operation,” the tabloid writes in its August 18 edition.
A rep for the Samantha Who? star confirmed over the weekend the actress was diagnosed with breast cancer following a recent MRI, but the Enquirer insists Christina made the drastic decision to have both breasts removed before trying any other method of treatment because she carries a hereditary cancer gene.
Christina’s own mother, actress Nancy Priddy, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She underwent a double mastectomy in 1977.
(It seems unlikely any woman would “opt” to have both breasts removed until she’s sure MDs have utilized all of the less invasive forms of treatment to save her boobies and her life. We call tabloid B.S on this one, but feel free to draw your own conclusions.)
“Her doctors were taking no chances that the cancer could spread to the other breast even if only one breast was initially involved in the diagnosis,” says a source close to the 36-year-old.
“Doctors are fairly confident that they got all the cancer because they caught it early….After the operations, Christina reminded herself that her mom is the classic example of a courageous cancer survivor..Christina is a real fighter and in good spirits.”
Related Articles:
- Christina Applegate Double Mastectomy Confirmed (”Good Morning America” Interview)
- Christina Applegate “Oprah” September 30
- Christina Applegate Nude Photos Before Double Masectomy
- Christina Applegate Redbook Magazine February 2008; Christina Applegate Redbook
- Naked Christina Applegate PETA Ad
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On August 7th 2008, Liz wrote:
Actually MANY women “Opt” to have both breast removed when breast cancer runs in their family history. Some women even opt to have it before they even have breast cancer as a preventative measure (ie: removal in their 20’s). She actually has tested and been diagnosed with breast cancer so it is possible she might get it in her other breast. That’s why this story actually seems legit (though it might not be)
On August 7th 2008, Barbara Pfeiffer wrote:
So - who would listen to anything the National Enquirer says. Not where I’d get my news and I certainly hope that Christina Applegate’s medical decisions are being protected from “prying eyes.”
That being said: You need to do your research. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction with NO cancer. It was prophylactic. Every woman on my Mom’s side had / died from breast cancer - most before 40. When tested, I discovered the BRCA1 mutation which meant an 85% lifetime risk of breast cancer. Although extreme - for woman who have seen families devastated by aggressive, recurring cancer, this decision while difficult is also empowering.
For years I spent every six months in centers getting mammograms, MRI’s, etc. I waited in a constant state of anxiety each time they came out and brought me back in for another look. And if you think I’m just over obsessed, anxious, etc. in the words of my well respected physician - it’s not a matter of if you’ll get breast cancer - it’s when.
While I completely understand whysomeone who does not understand BRCA and the terrible risks associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer would think this is extreme - to those of who made this decision - no LUMP of flesh can possibly be important enough to risk our lives for.
If you’d like more information on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and why surgical intervention is an option for women, please visit http://www.facingourrisk.org