24/10/2025
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today we are sharing the story of Kathy Bates, who has faced breast cancer, lymphedema, and ovarian cancer.
Over the years Kathy has gone from being very private about her health issues (her agent told her not to tell anyone when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 because of the stigma attached to it) to serving as a national advocate in support of lymphedema awareness and funding for research.
Because both Kathy’s mother and niece had breast cancer, and her aunt died from the disease, when her own Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis was made she knew she was not going to fool around with it. Kathy once famously said, “breast cancer runs like a river through my family”—and she didn’t assume she would be okay. Her test to see if she had a genetic predisposition to cancer was negative, yet there still appeared to be a higher familial risk of breast cancer. So she opted for a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence in the future.
As a result of her mastectomies, Kathy suffers from lymphedema—a condition that can occur when lymph nodes are removed or damaged in surgery, resulting in a collection of fluid in the arms. She has been very outspoken about lymphedema, becoming a national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, and also meeting with members of Congress about the need for additional lymphatic research.
Kathy has also been outspoken about “going flat” after her surgery. If she doesn’t have to wear her breast prostheses for an acting role, she doesn’t!
A final quote from Kathy sums up her attitude gained from her cancer journey: “I’m just grateful to have been born at a time when the research made it possible for me to survive. I feel so incredibly lucky to be alive.” That statement says it all!
