Living with breast cancer can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you don’t know anyone on a similar journey. Finding others who understand can be a great source of support.

This is one reason why it can be so helpful for celebrities to share their experience with breast cancer. When someone in the public eye opens up about their diagnosis, it can remind you that you’re not alone. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an actress who was diagnosed with breast cancer and openly shared her path to diagnosis. Reading more about her story, you may find comfort in knowing others have gone through similar experiences.

How Did Julia Louis-Dreyfus Announce Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

The day after winning her sixth Emmy for her role on “Veep,” American actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of the comedy series “Seinfeld”) shared her breast cancer diagnosis with the world. On September 28, 2017, she posted on social media, “One in eight women get breast cancer. Today, I’m the one.”

Her social media announcement was met with a wave of empathy and support from the breast cancer community. On MyBCTeam, one member said, “Did everyone see that Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced she has breast cancer? We have a new member and I wish her well.” Another added, “I hope she does well also. I have always enjoyed her acting.”

When Louis-Dreyfus first received the news from her health care provider, she started laughing. She told Today that it felt like something out of “a horrible black comedy.” After laughing, she cried and then felt terrified.

What Kind of Cancer Did Julia Louis-Dreyfus Have?

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has never shared the exact details of her diagnosis, so we don’t know the specific type of breast cancer she had. However, People magazine did note that her cancer was at stage 2 when she was diagnosed. The good news is that she no longer has breast cancer. As of October 2018, she has been in remission.

What Was Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Breast Cancer Journey Like?

Julia Louis-Dreyfus faced her cancer treatment with a strong support system. In her original Instagram post announcing her diagnosis, she shared that she had family and friends around her, offering support. She also mentioned she was grateful to have great health insurance.

Throughout her journey, Louis-Dreyfus kept the public updated on her progress. Her costars from “Veep” made a funny video to cheer her up and get her energized before chemotherapy. She even dressed up in fun outfits to keep herself in good spirits and rocked out to Katy Perry’s “Roar.” During Thanksgiving in 2017, she was able to visit Chicago. But by late December, she was feeling so sick that she needed a blood transfusion at her local hospital.

The “Veep” star went through six rounds of chemo, finishing in January 2018. Afterward, she had a double mastectomy, which she and her doctors chose over a lumpectomy. The actress announced she was cancer-free in October 2018.

How Did Breast Cancer Change Julia Louis-Dreyfus?

Having breast cancer gave Julia Louis-Dreyfus a new outlook on life. She says she enjoys life more because she’s so happy that she still gets to be here. She also works to manage her stress. Even though she notes that stress doesn’t cause cancer, she knows it isn’t good for her and has said stress makes her less happy.

Louis-Dreyfus has said that living through breast cancer and its treatments has also made her more mindful and focused. She also appreciates the chance to grow older and the wisdom that comes with age. Louis-Dreyfus now feels a stronger sense of responsibility toward her community, rather than just focusing on herself. The actress looks forward to getting older and sees it as a privilege, saying she’s excited about her 80s.

What Happens When Celebrities Share Their Breast Cancer Stories?

When a celebrity shares their breast cancer diagnosis and journey, it can have several effects, both positive and challenging.

Helps to Destigmatize

One key impact is that celebrities help destigmatize the disease. While one study focused on the effects of celebrities sharing mental health struggles, it’s easy to see how this could also apply to physical illnesses like breast cancer. By speaking openly about their diagnoses, celebrities make their conditions more visible and relatable. As a result, we may notice our friends and family changing how they view our condition — and even how they see us.

Spreads Awareness

Knowing about celebrity diagnoses can encourage people to get the testing they need. Some might be hesitant to get a mammogram or think it’s unnecessary. If hearing about Louis-Dreyfus’s diagnosis motivates someone to get tested, that’s a good thing — even if the screening doesn’t find cancer.

However, there’s another side to consider. Some celebrity announcements can lead people to worry too much or think they need additional testing or treatment. For example, if someone hears about Louis-Dreyfus’s diagnosis and becomes convinced they have breast cancer, even when there’s no evidence to support it, that’s less helpful.

May Remind You of Your Journey

Celebrity diagnoses can also bring back difficult memories for people who have already been through breast cancer treatment. These memories can be hard to manage. Hearing about a new celebrity diagnosis might make someone worry about their own cancer returning or question whether they received the best treatment for their bodies and their specific type of cancer.

Should Celebrities Share Their Cancer Journeys?

In the end, it’s up to each celebrity whether they choose to share their cancer diagnosis. Some may feel they want the support that comes from letting others know what they are going through, or think they owe it to their fans to open up about it. Others may prefer to keep their journeys private, wanting to avoid publicity while dealing with something personal.

What is certain is that it takes courage to talk about a breast cancer diagnosis publicly. Whether someone is famous or not, sharing a diagnosis is a brave act, especially with the stigma that can come with chronic illness. As breast cancer awareness spreads, acceptance grows.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyBCTeam, the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones, more than 74,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Is there a notable person who has inspired you? How do you feel about celebrities discussing their health? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.