Top Celebrity Cancer-Related News of 2021

Cancer does not discriminate when it comes to fame or social status, with individuals from all walks of life being affected by the disease.

CURE® looked back at noteworthy celebrity cancer-related news of 2021.

1. Rapper Berner Diagnosed With Cancer

In October, San Francisco-based rapper Berner announced that he received a diagnosis of cancer via blood test. “It’s time for the biggest challenge of my life and I’m ready!” he wrote on Instagram, “… Love you guys, it’s time to fight.”

2. ‘Saved by the Bell’ Actor Dustin Diamond Dies Weeks After Lung Cancer Diagnosis

After receiving a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in January, 44-year-old actor Dustin Diamond died of the disease on Feb. 1. Diamond was most well-known for his role of “Screech” on the sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993. After his death, fellow actors from the show took to social media to remember their castmate. “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on,” wrote Mario Lopez.

3. ‘Oz’ Actor Granville Adams Dies 1 Year After Cancer Diagnosis

Granville Adams, who played Zahir Arif on the HBO show “Oz,” died one year after receiving a cancer diagnosis. His wife Christina announced his death on Instagram, stating, “Granny is now in peace and not suffering anymore. He fought till the end with a strength, beauty and grace like no other, putting his family before himself til the final moments.”

4. ‘Stigma Kills’: Kathy Griffin’s Diagnosis Brings Lung Cancer Needs to the Forefront, Regardless of Patient Smoking History

Actress and comedian Kathy Griffin used her lung cancer diagnosis as a platform to fight against stigma related to the disease, as the American Cancer Society reports that about 16% of lung cancers in women are diagnosed in never-smokers.

5. Dick Vitale Receives Second Cancer Diagnosis in Recent Months

In August, ESPN sportscaster and former basketball coach Dick Vitale had a melanoma scare. A few months later in October, he received a diagnosis of lymphoma. Despite the diagnosis, Vitale kept his spirits high, and returned to commentating the next month after undergoing treatment.

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