Rue McClanahan Breast Cancer Survivor, dies at age 76

the news of the day has certainly centered around the loss of yet another one of everyone’s favorite golden girls, the sexy and sassy southern belle, Rue McClanahan, aka Blanche Devereaux.

In 1997, Rue McClanahan was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent treatment (lumpectomy) for breast cancer in June 1997, and subsequently became a breast cancer survivor. In recent years, she battled other health issues, and a massive stroke was the cause of her death on June

She often shared her battle with breast cancer by speaking to many women’s groups about her own experience:

Rue speaks to her audience about the emotional, physical and psychological obstacles a woman must overcome in order to survive this deadly battle. McClanahan looks at the whole range of difficult choices women are faced with when diagnosed with breast cancer – the moment they learn of it, telling their loved ones, the medical processes involved, acceptance and recovery. Most importantly, she demonstrates with colorful examples from her own life that to overcome obstacles you must have hope and faith in yourself and in those around you. ~ sterling speakers int’l. MORE

Actress Lynn Redgrave Passes Away from Breast Cancer

According to family statement posted on her official website, the 67 year old actress Lynn Redgrave passed away peacefully on May 2, 2010, following a 7 year battle with breast cancer:

“Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven year journey with breast cancer,” her family said in a statement Monday. “She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives. Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time.”

Lynn Redgrave was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2002, had a mastectomy in January 2003 and underwent chemotherapy to treat the disease.

During her career, Lynn Redgrave received Oscar nods for “Georgy Girl” and “Gods and Monsters,” and Tony nominations for “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” “Shakespeare for My Father” and “The Constant Wife.” Recently, she also made appearances on TV in “Ugly Betty,” “Law & Order” and “Desperate Housewives.”

The actress, reportedly doing well following treatment for breast cancer, is filming four episodes for the FX series “Rescue Me”, where she will return as a love interest for lead actor, Denis Learys’ character.  Rescue ME is in its last season, so it won’t turn into a long term role for Maura Tierney.

Between the ending of “ER”, and being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Tierney was supposed to take a role on NBC’s show “Parenthood”, but bailed out to undergo treatment for breast cancer.

Former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed, now 53 (and still gorgeous!) and rocker husband, Gene Simmons from KISS, who was also affected by breast cancer when his bandmate, Peter Criss shared his tale of being a male breast cancer survivor.

Fortunately for Shannon Tweed, the breast lump she found (and had removed) was benign.  Still, it was enough for them to want to spread the word about “1 in 8″ women being affected by breast cancer. Gene Simmons made a plea to all men as well.

Watch Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed discuss their breast cancer scare on the daytime TV show, “The Doctors”:

Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons discuss breast cancer