Music icon Olivia Newton-John passed away on Monday, announced her husband John Easterling, setting off a wave of tributes and condolences for the beloved singer.
He said Olivia died peacefully at her ranch in southern California at the age of 73. John paid tribute to her as a symbol of "triumphs and hope" for over 30 years as she shared her journey with breast cancer.
The Grease star was diagnosed in 1992 and announced that the cancer had returned in 2017 and spread to her back - symptoms initially diagnosed as sciatica. Her cause of death has yet to be announced.
And now, sadly, Samantha Womack has revealed she has breast cancer in the wake of Olivia's death. The Eastenders actress made the announcement alongside a throwback picture during her stint as Sandy in the West End in which Samantha and her daughter posed with Olivia who had come to see the production.
Samantha said: "This was the most magical of evenings. Olivia and Chloe had come to see Grease in London and we had dinner together afterwards. I was so excited and in awe, she was my childhood. I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved."
Olive Newton-John's breast cancer story
The actress and singer was also a passionate advocate for breast cancer research. In 2008, Olivia, who grew up in Australia, opened the Olivia Newton-John (ONH) Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne.
She opened up about her journey on the foundation's website, writing: "In 1992, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis came the same weekend my father died of cancer, so you can imagine the shock.
"I learned very quickly how important it was for me to think positively. When the second friend I called with the news burst into tears, I thought - this is too stressful. I had to find someone else to handle the day to day discussions of my health so I could concentrate on healing."
She then underwent a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction, adding that she also did herbal formulas, meditation and "focused on a vision of complete wellness".
Olivia said the experience inspired her to help a world "desperate for healing".
She continued: "The whole experience has given me much understanding and compassion, so much so that I wanted to help others going through the same journey. With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for healing, and I'm committed to doing whatever I can to help.
"I also believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it."
The star described the ONJ Centre as a place for positive healing, support, and top medical research.
Olivia shared her dream, concluding: "I believe that through our research we will ultimately find cures for all types of cancer. My dream is that one day the ONJ Centre will be only about Wellness, and we will no longer need cancer centres because cancer will be a thing of the past."
The singer was forced to postpone her 2017 tour due to back pain, which was later revealed to be cancer. A post on her Facebook said: "The back pain that initially caused her to postpone the first half of her concert tour has turned out to be breast cancer that has metastasized to the sacrum."
What to know about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, the NHS reports. Although most women diagnosed are over 50, it's possible for young women to get the disease.
Around one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, but there is a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage.
The NHS advises: "For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP."
Symptoms of breast cancer
The first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Breast cancer can have several symptoms and most lumps aren't cancerous - but it's best to have them checked by a doctor.
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you also notice any of these symptoms:
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
- A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- A rash on or around your nipple
- A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
Breast cancer risks
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but there are certain factors known to increase the risk of breast cancer. These include:
- Age – the risk increases as you get older
- A family history of breast cancer
- A previous diagnosis of breast cancer
- A previous non-cancerous (benign) breast lump
- Being tall, overweight or obese
- Drinking alcohol
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