Updated December 29th, 2023

The Bravery of Al Roker & Others Who Removed The Shame & Stigma of Cancer in 2020

These fighters and survivors are helping others to see cancer in a new light.

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Well-Known People Who Battled Cancer This Year

Today show’s Al Roker, 66, went public with his prostate cancer diagnosis in November.
Other prominent figures, such as Jeff Bridges, Shannen Doherty, and Dan Bongino, are bravely fighting their cancer in the public eye.
Having household names fighting cancer may help broaden public knowledge and understanding about certain cancers, as we follow along with their journeys.

When NBC Today show co-host Al Roker, 66, bravely announced on-air that he had prostate cancer in November, he gave many Americans a broader understanding of the disease and its treatment. Roker later shared that he underwent surgery to treat his cancer. Other treatment options for prostate cancer can include radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Roker isn’t the only well-known face that’s battling cancer this year. We have others to thank for removing some of the shame and stigma that may accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Jeff Bridges is Fighting Lymphoma

Jeff “The Dude” Bridges went public with his lymphoma diagnosis in October. The 71-year-old has also been keeping fans updated on his health status on his groovy online journal, on which he shares drawings and updates.

Bridges is battling lymphoma. He has not shared which type of lymphoma he has, but we do know he is undergoing treatment for it, and that his treatment plan may include chemotherapy. Hair loss is a common side-effect of chemotherapy and Bridges debuted his shaved head on Instagram recently. The actor also said he is “feeling good.”

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Shannen Doherty is Fighting Breast Cancer

Actress Shannen Doherty, 49, first battled breast cancer in 2015, after she found a lump on her breast. After the diagnosis, Doherty treated the disease with a single mastectomy, and then chemotherapy and radiation. Her breast cancer went into remission in 2016.

And in February of this year, Doherty shared that her breast cancer had returned and it had metastasized, meaning it had spread to other parts of her body. In the face of advanced breast cancer, Doherty has focused on the positive, surrounded herself with a strong support network of her partner and her friends, and continued to be an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

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Dan Bongino is Fighting Lymphoma

Conservative radio host Dan Bongino, 46, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after discovering a lump on his neck. Bongino initially thought that the lump was a lipoma, a fatty tumor.

He had it surgically removed and was later diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Bongino has been very vocal throughout his cancer fight, providing health updates to fans and continuing to work and host his radio show as he undergoes treatment. He has had at least two rounds of chemotherapy and has shared his journey with the public as he continues to battle this disease with a positive attitude and an upbeat spirit.

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