Lustgarten's Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Denver: Celebrities Who Battled Pancreatic Cancer

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Celebrities Who Battled Pancreatic Cancer

As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we move into National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. While we won't likely see store shelves turn purple (the designated awareness color for pancreatic cancer) as we do with the color pink and breast cancer, the movement is gaining ground, especially with the death of Apple's Steve Jobs. When Steve Jobs passed, internet searches for pancreatic cancer skyrocketed, creating awareness for a disease that is often fatal.

Jobs certainly isn't the only person to succumb to the disease -- he isn't even the only celebrity to have battled pancreatic cancer. In fact, several famous people have been diagnosed with it. It reallyshows that cancer doesn't discriminate. Fame and fortune doesn't make us immune to the wrath of cancer.

Celebrities With Pancreatic Cancer

Steve Jobs: Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004. He suffered from pancreatic endocrine cancer, which affects about 2,500 Americans each year. Jobs died in October 2011 after battling the disease for eight years.
Patrick Swayze: Diagnosed in 2008, actor Patrick Swayze battled pancreatic cancer with an experimental drug. He continued to work throughout treatment, a testament to his strength during his battle. Swayze died in September 2009.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: In 2009, the Supreme Court Justice underwent surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. It was detected during an annual health exam and was in the very early stages of the disease. People with early stage pancreatic cancer generally have better outcomes than those diagnosed in later stages. Ginsburg continues to serve as a Supreme Court Justice.
Joan Crawford: Oscar-winning actress and screen legend Joan Crawford died of a heart attack while battling pancreatic cancer in 1971.
Michael Landon: Actor Michael Landon's pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in the late stages and had already spread to his liver. Despite intensive treatment, Landon succumbed to the disease in April 1991.
Fred Gwynne: Best known for his role on the television series The Munsters, Fred Gwynne died of pancreatic cancer in July 1993.
Luciano Pavarotti: In July 2006, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti underwent surgery to treat a malignant pancreatic mass, forcing him to cancel his farewell tour. A little over a year later in September 2007, Pavarotti died of the disease.
Jack Benny: Comedian Jack Benny began experiencing symptoms in October 1974, which eventually led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The actor died just weeks later in December at age 80.
Rex Harrison: It is reported that actor Rex Harrison was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1989. Little is known about his diagnosis, such as the stage and treatment. He died in 1990.
Donna Reed: Actress Donna Reed died of pancreatic cancer just three months after being diagnosed in October 1986. She was 64.
Henry Mancini: Musical composer Henry Mancini died of pancreatic cancer in June 1994.
Count Basie: Jazz pianist and composer Count Basie died of pancreatic cancer in April 1984. He was 79.