Updated October 20th, 2020

Olivia Newton-John Says Her Stage 4 Breast Cancer Is a “Gift” & Explains Why Perfectly

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Olivia Newton-John's Cancer Journey

Olivia Newton-John has been battling stage 4 breast cancer since 2017
In an interview with The Sun, Newton-John says she views her cancer as a “gift” and an opportunity to help women by urging them to get screened
Mammograms are the best tools in catching breast cancer early, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes

Not many people would call their cancer a gift, but Olivia Newton-John has done just that. When it comes to approaching a disease, everyone’s perspective is different, and our attitude can really make a difference during treatment. As she battles stage 4 breast cancer, Newton-John is proving to be the perfect role model to all women.

Newton-John, 71, has been battling stage 4 breast cancer since 2017, and has three brushes with the disease before then. No one could fault Newton-John if she struggled with feeling positive during her recurrences, but it turns out she’s using her experience to help others.

“As strange as it may sound, I consider it a gift,” Newton-John tells The Sun. “I have learned so much and met some extraordinary women.”

Battling breast cancer four separate times can really make someone appreciate the importance of mammograms and routine self-exams. Now, Newton-John is using her personal story to urge women to always be vigilant and prioritize their health because a diagnosis always happens unexpectedly.

“I know it’s scary to go to the doctor, but it’s better to know than to not know. Early detection is always best,” Newton-John says. “My focus and purpose is continuing to find answers to treating cancer and helping others who are on that journey.”

Dr. Connie Lehman explains when women should get mammograms

Mammograms Vs. Self-Exams: Know The Difference

When it comes to catching breast cancer early, mammograms are the most effective tool in detecting signs of a possible diagnosis. It’s encouraged women get mammograms once a year in order to be aware of any possible changes, but many breast cancer survivors have also stressed the importance of self-exams in order to make sure everything feels right.

However, it’s important to point out that self-exams are not a replacement for mammograms, especially since some organizations have disagreed as to whether there’s real benefit in doing them. Nevertheless, it never hurts to get to know your body.

“When we think about prevention, breast cancer prevention and awareness, the first step is that women need to feel comfortable with their breasts and that they know what their breasts feel like normally,” says Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and an advisor to SurvivorNet. “For some women, that may mean going to their doctor and walking through what a self-breast exam might feel like so that they know what normal breast tissue feels like, so that if they do feel anything abnormal, whether it’s a lump or discharge from the nipple, that they know what to ask and what to look for.”

Dr. Elizabeth Comen on the benefits of self breast exams

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