Olivia shares the story of her breast cancer diagnosis and talks about the importance of regular screening.
Cancer, unfortunately, is no stranger to Olivia Newton-John. The four-time Grammy Award winner, who starred in the film musical Grease and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 43. Twenty-five years later, in May 2017, Olivia announced to the world that the cancer had returned. She recently talked to My Hometown Health to share her thoughts about how she’s facing this new and yet all-too-familiar challenge.
Were you concerned at all about breast cancer before you were diagnosed the first time?
It was definitely on my radar. Just three months before I was diagnosed, a close friend told me she had cancer. I had always been conscientious about having a regular clinical breast exam because a few benign lumps had been found previously. But for this particular examination in 1992, I was more worried. I had a small lump. Even more concerning was the fact that it was painful. Both my doctor and I had a bad feeling about it. The mammogram initially came back negative. But fortunately, my doctor wasn’t satisfied and ordered a biopsy, which showed that I had breast cancer.
What was your response to the news?
It was overwhelming. And then, on that same weekend, my father died. So it really took some time for me come to terms with the situation. I finally came to realize that cancer is not a death sentence, that millions of women just like me have had the same diagnosis and have beaten the disease.
What kind of treatment did you decide upon?
I started chemotherapy immediately and combined it with a spiritual dimension, which I really believe is important, practicing yoga and mediation as well as eating well to boost my strength. After the chemo was completed, I had a partial mastectomy followed by reconstruction surgery.
Looking back, how did the experience change you?
It was a blessing in a way. It provided me with a much greater sense of understanding and compassion. It motivated me to want to help others who are going through the same journey. That’s the reason I got involved in a project that I care very deeply about: raising money to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia, which opened in 2013. Helping this hospital get built is probably the most important thing I’ve done in my life. The Centre recently published some groundbreaking research on cancer. It’s an amazing place, where people can find the love and support that’s so important when cancer strikes. My hope is that one day the word “Cancer” will no longer be part of the name of the hospital because we will have beaten the disease. At least, that’s my dream.
You’re facing a new challenge now. How did you learn that the cancer had returned?
Well, in terms of the timing, that’s an interesting story. During 2016, I had been working with two fellow songwriters, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky, on an album entitled “LIV ON.” I wanted the album to be, in part, a celebration and commemoration of the life of my sister Rona, who died of brain cancer in 2003. The theme of the album is overcoming trauma, including the pain caused by cancer. We were planning a U.S. and Canadian tour to promote the album, but then I started having back pain. Initially, it was diagnosed as sciatica. Then the pain became so debilitating that I had to cancel the tour. Not long after that, I learned my original cancer had returned and metastasized in my sacrum, a bone in the lower back.
How is this second battle with cancer different than the first?
I have a much better idea of what to expect and what it takes to make it through the treatment. I’m totally confident that this new journey will be a positive success story that will inspire others. In fact, I’m already planning on returning to the stage later this year. I think one of the songs on the “LIV ON” album offers the best advice I can give to myself and to anyone else who’s dealing with cancer: “Not Gonna Give In To It.”
Any final thoughts?
I just really want to emphasize how important it is for women to talk to their doctor about the appropriate breast cancer screenings they need to schedule. It could save many lives. I know it saved mine.