Celebrities who have shockingly been transparent about battling cancer

Cancer is a deadly disease that takes every living piece of your existence. It drains you to the fullest, both physically and mentally. Everything around you seems to diminish. But if detected early, it can make you come out stronger than ever.

Here are five celebrities who opened up about battling cancer and are now cancer-free, aiming to create a positive impact and help others who are struggling.

Take a look:

Sofia Vergara

In 2000, the Modern Family alum was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which she successfully treated with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, according to Onco Daily.

Sofia’s harrowing diagnosis came unexpectedly during a routine check-up at the young age of 28.

Notably, she had no noticeable symptoms, but her doctor eventually discovered a lump on her neck, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Since then, the now 53-year-old Columbian-American actress has used her voice to advocate for thyroid cancer awareness and early detection.

Sharon Osbourne

The 72-year-old TV personality and music manager is not currently a cancer patient, but she is a cancer survivor.

Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy.

In 2012, she had a double mastectomy, due to concerns about a family history of cancer and the BRCA1 gene mutation, according to BBC.

Sharon underwent chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells that weren't removed during her surgery. She fortunately recovered and has remained cancer-free, per Very well health.

Since then, the wife of late Ozzy Osbourne has become an avid advocate for cancer awareness and research.

Hoda Kotb

In 2007, the American broadcaster and journalist was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43.

Hoda underwent a mastectomy as part of her treatment, which is a surgical procedure to remove the breast and eliminate cancerous cells.

Initially, she considered keeping her diagnosis private, but ultimately decided to share her vulnerable experience with the world in order to empower those who are dealing with it.

The host of NBC News morning show Today has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and has shared her journey with sheer transparency to inspire others.

In an episode of her show, Hoda also opened up about the impact her diagnosis had on her fertility, as she was told it would be really rare that she could have children post-treatment.

"I do remember that even the doctor said to me then, you know, one of the side effects, especially at your age, which was in my early 40s, is you won’t be able to have children," she said.

The now 61-year-old broadcaster added, "I was like, 'Wait, what?' So this thing not only put limits on my life, but killed a dream. (It) didn’t kill me right then, but it killed a dream.”

Ben Stiller

The Zoolander comedic star made headlines in 2016 when he revealed his 2014 prostate cancer diagnosis, per Onco Daily.

For the unversed, Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system, according to Cleveland Clinic.

At the time, Ben was asymptomatic, but his sudden decision to undergo a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test at age 48 led to the early detection of cancer in his body.

He credited the PSA test for saving his life by catching his cancer early, emphasising the significance of screenings before age 50.

Hugh Jackman

Lastly, the 56-year-old Australian actor has dealt with cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, multiple times since 2013.

According to Onco Daily, Hugh’s diagnosis was made after his former wife Deborra-lee Furness humbly requested him to get a small mark on his nose checked.

The Deadpool & Wolverine actor initially thought the mark was nothing serious, but upon visiting a dermatologist, he learned it was skin cancer.

Hugh Jackman has since voiced the importance of regular skin checks, sunscreen use, and early intervention in reducing the stakes of skin cancer.