Breast cancer
On August 3, 2008, People Magazine reported that Applegate had been diagnosed with breast cancer. This was confirmed by her representative, who said in a statement: “Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor ordered MRI, the cancer is not life threatening… Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery. No further statement will be issued at this time”.
On August 19, 2008. It was announced that Applegate is cancer free after a double mastectomy, even though cancer was found in only one breast. She has an inherited genetic fault, a BRCA1 mutation, which very often causes breast cancer in those with said fault. Her mother, Nancy Priddy, is a breast cancer survivor. Applegate said when she first was diagnosed “I was just shaking and — and then also immediately, I had to go into … ‘take-care-of-business-mode’” which included a change to a more healthy diet. Applegate appeared on a television special entitled Stand Up to Cancer designed to raise funds for breast cancer research. The one hour special was broadcast on CBS, NBC, and ABC television networks on September 5.
Applegate, who was given the all clear following the operation, is now scheduled to undergo reconstructive surgery over the next eight months. A spokesperson for Applegate states she will be “on a normal shooting schedule”, (for Samantha Who?) adding that the procedure “is not affecting production”. She had already completed filming five episodes for the upcoming season of her hit comedy show before stopping for a summer break at the end of June. An ABC spokesperson confirms: “They’re on a scheduled hiatus and she’ll be back next month. It’s business as usual”.
