February 4 of every year is marked as World Cancer Day. Founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day is set aside to raise awareness about the disease and also highlight preventive as well as treatment measures.
According to UICC, World Cancer Day “aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.”
To mark the day, Face2Face Africa highlights 6 notable black celebrities who battled cancer and won.
Nile Rodgers
The legendary musician was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 but overcame it in 2013 after undergoing treatment.
Colin Powell
The former U.S. Secretary of State was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 but became cancer-free after undergoing prostatectomy.
Harry Belafonte
The legendary musician, actor and civil rights activist was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in 1996. He, however, became cancer-free after undergoing treatment.
Wanda Sykes
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes was diagnosed with breast cancer 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.
Richard Roundtree
The actor was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 to which he underwent successful mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Mr T
The actor and entertainer was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma cancer in 1995 but became free after treatment.