Cancer is always scary, but few diagnoses carry as much weight as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accounting for 10 to 15 percent of all types of breast cancer cases, this form is notoriously aggressive. The good news is that it’s often curable if caught early, and the latest advances are giving hope to millions of women in later stages of the disease. Keep reading as a top oncologist details the most exciting new treatment options as well as breakthroughs that are making her optimistic for the future. 

What is triple negative breast cancer?

TNBC is defined by what it is not rather than by what it is, says Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, FACP, a leading oncologist and director of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. “The majority of breast cancers express proteins called hormone receptors—estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR),” she explains. “Up to three-quarters of breast cancers use these receptors to grow when hormones like estrogen are present. Because of that, we can often treat these cancers with medicines that block hormones or stop them from reaching the cancer cells.”  

“Triple negative breast cancer is different. These cancer cells don’t have ER or PR, and they also don’t have extra amounts of another protein called HER2. This protein is found on many normal cells in the body, but in about 15 percent of breast cancers, there’s too much of it, which drives the cancer to grow. When HER2 is present at high levels, we can use treatments that target it.”

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In other words, because TNBC lacks these three key markers—estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 overexpression—there are fewer targets for therapies to home in on, making it harder to treat.

Unfortunately, this is an aggressive form of breast cancer that tends to grow quickly, says Dr. Hurvitz. “We also think there are different subtypes within TNBC, but haven’t been able to fully subclassify it yet. Our hope is that a better understanding of what is driving various types of TNBC will lead to new targeted therapies.”

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3 groups more susceptible to triple negative breast cancer

While this invasive breast cancer can affect anyone, there are a few groups that tend to be at higher risk, says Dr. Hurvitz:

Younger women (typically under 40) 

TNBC affects younger women, but the cancer may go undetected on routine imaging because younger women have denser breast tissue, she explains. “Mammograms may be less effective at picking up cancer in dense breast tissue, which is why I advise women to be aware of any changes in their breasts and to let their doctor know if they have a family history of any kind of cancer, not just breast cancer.”

If a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer, for example, those could all indicate a genetic factor that could increase their risk of breast cancer, she adds. “Knowing one’s family history is really helpful in determining how early a person should start screening for breast cancer and other cancers.”

Black women

“Although Black women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than white women, they have a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer,” she says. In fact, Black women are diagnosed with TNBC at about twice the rate as white women.

Women with a genetic predisposition

Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene occur in about 10 to 15 percent of all breast cancers, Dr. Hurvitz explains. “People who carry a BRCA1 mutation have a higher chance of developing TNBC. So there may be a genetic component, but most people with TNBC do not have this mutation.”

Triple negative breast cancer treatment options

As you know, the best defense against any cancer is early detection, and that’s especially true for TNBC because it tends to be aggressive. The good news is it can be cured if caught early, assures Dr. Hurvitz. “That’s why knowing one’s family history and following the breast cancer screening guidelines is important.” Here, she shares a few of the leading treatments—including the newest options that are increasing the survival rate for triple negative breast cancer.

Chemotherapy

The traditional treatment for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy, which works by killing cells as they divide. “It’s a relatively non-specific therapy, but it is often effective against aggressive cancers that divide quickly like TNBC,” Dr. Hurvitz explains.

Immunotherapy 

“In the past five years or so, we’ve begun using immunotherapy to ramp up the immune system to recognize and attack breast cancer,” she says. “It’s been a major advance, improving survival in both advanced disease and in early-stage, potentially curable cases.”

Antibody-drug conjugates 

“More recently, a class of drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has been developed. These treatments pair an antibody that targets a specific protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody helps deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cell,” says Dr. Hurvitz. It’s currently approved for patients with late-stage disease. It’s not yet approved for early-stage breast cancer, but it’s being studied.”

She notes that emerging research highlights the powerful one-two punch of immunotherapy combined with ADCs—often described as a “Trojan horse” approach.

“The immunotherapy is paired with an ADC called sacituzumab govitecan, which targets a protein called c found at higher levels on cancer cells than on normal cells,” explains Dr. Hurvitz. “The antibody homes in on Trop-2 and delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, releasing the drug where it’s needed. At the same time, the immunotherapy activates nearby immune cells, helping them recognize the cancer as foreign and attack it.”

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The bottom line on treating triple negative breast cancer

“I expect that, over time, these therapies will translate into longer survival and perhaps even more cures,” says Dr. Hurvitz. “We know in many cases immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates don’t just help control the disease, but also extend how long patients live.”

“Looking ahead five to 10 years, we may even see patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer living meaningfully longer. With additional immune-based and ADC strategies on the horizon—designed to target tumors more precisely and with less toxicity—there is real reason for optimism.”

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If you’ve been getting a mammogram every year and recent headlines are making you second-guess yourself, take a breath. The latest medical guidance says you’re probably doing just fine, and you may actually be able to screen less often without any added risk.

On April 17, 2026, the American College of Physicians (ACP) released new guidelines recommending that all average-risk women ages 50 to 74 get a screening mammogram every two years. If you’ve already been screening every other year, you’re aligned with the latest evidence. If you’ve been going annually, this is worth a conversation with your doctor, not a reason to worry.

Why the conflicting advice on mammogram guidelines feels so frustrating

Here’s why it’s confusing: Different medical organizations keep landing in different places. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that average-risk women start screening at age 40 and get a mammogram every two years through age 74. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening starting at 40. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms between ages 45 and 54, with women 55 and older switching to every other year or continuing annually.

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That’s at least four different sets of recommendations. No wonder it’s hard to keep track. But here’s what’s worth holding onto: The two groups that base their guidance on the broadest reviews of clinical evidence, the ACP and the USPSTF, both land in the same place for women 50 to 74. Every two years.

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The number that makes the case for biennial mammograms

The every-two-years recommendation comes down to a tradeoff most women don’t hear enough about: false positives.

Women who get annual mammograms face a 50 to 60 percent chance of receiving a false positive result over 10 years. That means callbacks, follow-up imaging and sometimes biopsies, all for something that turns out not to be cancer. Those experiences are stressful, time-consuming and often avoidable.

Screening every two years significantly reduces that false positive risk while still catching cancers early enough to make a real difference. And you’re not in the minority if that’s your schedule:about 80 percent of U.S. women aged 50 to 74 already undergo biennial mammography.

What if you’re between 40 and 49?

For women in their 40s, the ACP’s guidance is more personal. Rather than a blanket recommendation, it says screening decisions in this age group should be made individually with a doctor. The reasoning is that harms like false positives, over-diagnosis and over-treatment may outweigh the uncertain benefits for average-risk women in this decade of life.

That doesn’t mean skip screening. It means the right answer depends on your personal risk factors, family history and what you and your doctor decide together.

What women with dense breasts should know

If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue, the ACP says 3D mammography may be considered as a supplement, while advising against routine MRI or ultrasound for average-risk individuals. It’s worth asking your doctor directly whether additional screening makes sense for your situation.

“As a gynecologist, for women with dense breast tissue, my next step is usually ordering a supplemental, radiation-free breast ultrasound. Supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, this extra step catches more cancers than a 3D mammogram alone,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a traditional gynecologist and surgeon turned pioneer in regenerative medicine. “Why not jump straight to an MRI? While MRIs have the highest detection rates, they are costly and require injecting a contrast dye. An ultrasound is a fantastic, minimally invasive starting point.”

After 74, mammogram guidelines shift

For women 75 and older, the ACP found no clear mortality benefit from continued routine screening, with increased risk of over-diagnosis. The guidance recommends discussing whether to stop screening with your doctor, particularly for those with a life expectancy under five years. This isn’t a signal to stop caring about breast health. It means the risk-benefit calculation becomes more individual, and that conversation with your provider matters more than ever.

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The bottom line on the new mammogram guidelines

Whatever your age, the most important thing is that you’re getting screened. If you’re 50 to 74, at average risk and going every two years, the latest evidence backs you up. If you’ve been going annually and want to know whether that’s still necessary, bring it up at your next appointment. Asking that question isn’t being reckless. It’s being informed.

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A clinical trial linking vitamin D to better breast cancer outcomes when being treated with chemotherapy is giving women something concrete to bring to their next doctor’s appointment. The study, published in Nutrition and Cancer and making headlines this week, found that women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily during chemotherapy were dramatically more likely to see their tumors disappear completely.

Researchers at Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University followed 80 women 45 and older undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (a type of treatment prior to surgery to remove cancerous tumors). Among those receiving vitamin D, 43 percent achieved complete remission compared with 24 percent in the placebo group—a 79 percent relative increase in full response. Researchers are calling for larger trials before the protocol becomes standard care, but the early signal is hard to ignore.

Why vitamin D and chemo may work so well together

Scientists have long suspected vitamin D does more than just bolster bone health. Researchers now believe it may act as a “chemosensitizer,” helping cancer drugs work more effectively in tumor tissue. A 2024 meta-analysis found adequate vitamin D levels were linked to a 22 percent reduction in nonresponse to chemotherapy and a 35 percent reduction in disease progression risk—broader support for what this new trial suggests.

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Worth noting: While this study didn’t test whether vitamin D stops breast cancer from forming, the Sister Study found that women with the highest 25-D levels were associated with 21 percent lower breast cancer risk. The TriNetx study (another study addressing the issue) with 73,659 menopausal women found that women with 25-D less than 20 had a 45 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer.

The latest Nutrition and Cancer study also did not report whether 25-D improves outcomes once chemotherapy has already begun. However, a large study of 3,995 women showed that women with invasive breast cancer who have sufficient levels of 25-D, compared to those with low levels, consistently have better overall survival rates.

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Hair Loss or Brittle Nails? 9 Sneaky Signs of a Vitamin D Deficiency

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The deficiency problem most women don’t know they have

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels, and women are among the highest-risk groups. Risk climbs with darker skin tones, limited sun exposure, obesity or absorption issues.

The tricky part is that symptoms—fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, mood changes and frequent illness—are easy to attribute to aging or a busy season of life. Beyond the cancer research, vitamin D also supports calcium regulation, brain health and immune function, which is why so many women are already supplementing daily.

“When I prescribe D3 for my patients, I recommend that 25D is combined with the hormone K2,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a pioneer in regenerative medicine. “This activates the proteins that deliver calcium to the bones rather than depositing it in the arteries.”

How much vitamin D do you need?

Per the NIH, the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU for adults through age 70 and 800 IU after that. Most Americans fall short of even that baseline. The 2,000 IU dose used in the trial sits above the standard RDA, but well within what researchers describe as safe and effective for correcting deficiency. The NIH’s safe upper limit is 4,000 IU per day for adults.

If you’re already taking a daily D3, it’s worth checking your label. Many over-the-counter softgels contain 1,000 to 5,000 IU per capsule, and a standard multivitamin may add another 400 to 800 IU on top—meaning two everyday habits can quietly stack.

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The Best Time To Take Vitamin D: A Common Habit Could Disrupt Your Sleep

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Vitamin D3 vs. D2—and the test worth asking for

Two forms typically show up on supplement shelves: D2 (ergocalciferol), which is often plant-derived, and D3 (cholecalciferol), the form your skin produces from sunlight. Most clinicians prefer D3 for raising blood levels efficiently.

The most useful next step is to ask your doctor for a simple blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This tells you whether your current routine is working, insufficient or unnecessary. Levels below 20 ng/mL and up to 30 ng/mL are considered deficient levels. Functional medicine advocates for higher levels in the range of 50 to 80 ng/mL. From there, you and your doctor can decide whether supplementing with vitamin D3 daily makes sense for you. Generally, a daily dose of 2,000 to 4,000 IU is needed to maintain adequate 25D levels. 

An important note: If you’re in active cancer treatment, don’t adjust your supplementation without first consulting your oncology team. Vitamin D affects calcium metabolism and can interact with certain medications, so dose decisions belong with a doctor who knows your full health picture.

You might walk right past them in your backyard without a second thought, but those bright yellow dandelions popping up through the grass could hold a remarkable secret. New research suggests that dandelion root extract may be a powerful fighter against breast cancer cells—and the findings are genuinely exciting for those of us who love incorporating natural remedies into our wellness routine. We break down what the research shows about the potential benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer protection.

Benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer

The results of this new study are striking and offer real reason to pay attention. When scientists treated human breast cancer cells with dandelion root extract, up to 85 percent of the cells died, according to a study published in the journal Biology. New cancer cell growth was significantly reduced, and the cells stopped dividing, slowing the spread of cancer.

Researchers explain that dandelion root works by blocking cell growth signals that tell cancer cells to grow and survive. The extract essentially cuts off the communication lines that cancer cells rely on to keep multiplying.

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If You’ve Never Tried Oregano Tea, You’re Missing Out on a Slew of Health Benefits

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What this dandelion tea for cancer study means for you

Before you start stocking up on dandelion root tea, it’s important to keep these anti-cancer findings in perspective. This research was conducted on cancer cells in a laboratory setting, not in human participants. Promising lab results don’t always translate directly to the same outcomes in the human body, and more studies—including clinical trials—would be needed to confirm whether drinking dandelion root tea could have similar cancer-fighting effects in people.

That said, the effects of dandelion root on cancer cells in this study are still significant. The fact that study showed it blocked signaling pathways and killed cancer cells is a compelling starting point for future research. For women already drawn to incorporating natural foods, teas and supplements into their health routines, dandelion root tea represents exactly the kind of discovery worth paying attention to—a simple, accessible option backed by emerging science. (Discover doctor-backed cancer-fighting foods.)

How to add dandelion root tea to your routine

Dandelion tea has an earthy, slightly nutty flavor, and it pairs beautifully with a touch of honey or lemon. It’s widely available at most grocery stores, health food shops and online retailers. It’s one of the more affordable herbal teas on the market, making it an easy and budget-friendly addition to your wellness toolkit.

If you’d like to give anti-inflammatory dandelion root tea a try, here are a few practical tips to get started:

• Look for organic dandelion root tea at your local grocery store or health food shop
• Consult your doctor before adding any new herbal supplement to your routine, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions
• Start with one cup a day and see how your body responds
• Enjoy it warm for a cozy, soothing ritual or brew it iced for a refreshing twist

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These 5 Types of Foods Help Slash Your Breast Cancer Risk Naturally

When it comes to preventing breast cancer, the foods we eat aren’t always top of mind. In fact, a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine survey found that only 28 percent of women mentioned eating a healthy diet as a preventive strategy— and 72 percent said they’d never received information on nutrition and breast cancer from […]

The bottom line on the benefits of dandelion tea for cancer

Science continues to reveal the remarkable potential hidden in the plants around us. While we wait for further studies to explore how these findings apply to real-world health outcomes, there’s something wonderfully empowering about knowing that a simple cup of tea brewed from a humble backyard plant could be part of a bigger wellness picture. So go ahead—put the kettle on.

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What if you could protect yourself from several different types of cancer with foods you already love? We often hear that food is medicine, but some superfoods are better than the rest at staving off serious illnesses such as cancer. So we turned to nutrition expert Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of countless best-selling health books including Super Immunity and Eat for Life, to find out his favorite cancer-fighting foods. Turns out he has an easy way to remember the top picks in his anticancer nutrition protocol. Read along to learn his simple acronym and discover exactly why these foods should be added to your plate.

Can certain foods really reduce your cancer risk?

The science says yes. After poring through the data over the years, Dr. Fuhrman discovered “some foods are more protective than others.” You just have to know which ones to pick. And when you do, the payoff can be huge for your health. In fact, six foods proved more beneficial than the rest. “Hundreds of scientific studies document that these foods prevent cancer and also prolong lifespan in people who have cancer,” he assures.

Meet Dr. Fuhrman’s 6 favorite cancer-fighting foods

Ready to hear the doctor’s go-to grocery list for longevity? In his work as a leading nutritarian, Dr. Fuhrman made up an acronym to help people remember the healthiest plant foods to buy and eat. Simply remember the word: G-BOMBS. That stands for: greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds.

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Let’s take a deep dive into this super delicious, healthy list to learn why these foods are the cream of the cancer-fighting crop.

Greens

“The foods with the strongest evidence supporting anticancer and longevity-promoting effects are green vegetables, particularly leafy green cruciferous vegetables,” says Dr. Fuhrman.

The color is key here. These vegetables’ chlorophyll—the same thing that turns leaves green—is known to fuse to cancer-causing chemicals and block them from being digested and absorbed. This natural protective mechanism helps keep harmful compounds from entering your system.

That’s not all. A compound called sulforaphane, found in green cruciferous veggies and microgreens like broccoli sprouts, is considered one of the most protective plant nutrients on the planet by activating the body’s cellular clean-up function.

To get the benefit: Reach for broccoli, cabbage, kale and arugula.

Beans

Fiber-rich beans support a healthy gut microbiome, which is known to boost your immune system in profound ways. But there’s more: When beans are properly fermented in the gut during digestion, they create compounds called short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, prized for its anticancer effects. In studies, butyrate slows cancer cell growth and flips a switch that essentially tells colon cancer cells to self-destruct, meaning every serving of beans you eat is actively protecting you.

To get the benefit: Dr. Fuhrman recommends beans, peas and lentils. Fermented soy, preferably non-GMO, is also good for women.

Onions

The allium family of vegetables is a superstar. Credit goes to the sulfur and quercetin, powerful compounds that research shows can cause cancer cells to shrink and immunity to soar. Research found that people who ate the most garlic and onions had a 73 percent reduction in ovarian cancer risk and an 88 percent lower risk of esophageal cancer. And garlic is known to help protect against gastric cancer.

To get the benefit: Eat a variety of onions, plus scallions, leeks, shallots and garlic.

Mushrooms

These superstars have compounds on their cell walls that can influence immunity and even activate so-called “natural killer” cells—immune cells designed to seek out and destroy sick cells.

Mushrooms are cancer-fighting foods that also inhibit the growth of abnormal cells by blocking their blood supply. Here’s some proof from a PLoS One study: Women who ate 20 grams of healthy mushrooms per day slashed their breast cancer risk by 60 percent.

To get the benefit: Reach for white, cremini, portobello, shiitake and oyster mushroom varieties. Dr. Fuhrman also recommends eating only cooked or dehydrated mushrooms for optimal health and easy digestion.

Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants and other flavonoids like resveratrol that are known to dial down inflammation. Research shows that unchecked inflammation in the body is the root of most diseases. “Even dehydrated berry gels and powders have shown positive results in cancer prevention trials in people with both precancerous and cancerous conditions,” Dr. Fuhrman adds.

To get the benefit: Enjoy any berries, plus cherries, citrus and pomegranate.

Seeds

The research on this cancer-fighting food is clear: “Daily consumption of nuts and seeds has been associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer,” reports Dr. Fuhrman.

Why? Plant compounds called lignans are believed to help reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers. Eating as little as two ounces of walnuts a day for just two weeks is shown to help suppress breast cancer, for example. And women with breast cancer who ate more lignan-rich foods (like flaxseeds) had a 71 percent decreased mortality over 10 years, finds research published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

To get the benefit: Reach for walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds and chia seeds.

How to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into your routine

Dr. Fuhrman suggests eating a wide variety of G-BOMBS foods daily, adding some to each meal. “You are the cure,” he reminds.

He makes this call to action to protect your life: “Every day when we sit down to eat, we have a choice. We can either eat foods that help our bodies and minds, or we can eat foods that harm us and increase dangerous health risk factors.”

Bottom line: We know cancer is scary. But there is empowering news and hardworking experts trying to spread the information that can save lives. We really have a lot of control over what we eat. “Our bodies are powerfully resistant to disease when provided with an optimal diet and micronutrient excellence!” Dr. Fuhrman encourages.

When Cheryl Ladd took the stage at a PaleyFest panel on April 6 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Angels, she had something deeply personal to share with the world. The beloved actress, 74, revealed during the panel discussion that she had previously battled an aggressive form of breast cancer, a diagnosis she kept private until now. Her message to women was both simple and urgent: “If you find a little something in your breasts… do not ignore it.”

Cheryl Ladd’s breast cancer was ‘aggressive’

Ladd was joined onstage by former Charlie’s Angels costars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith when she shared the news of her breast cancer battle. The special panel reunited three of the show’s stars to mark the milestone anniversary of the series that first aired on ABC in 1976. But amid the warmth and nostalgia of the celebration, Ladd spoke honestly about breast cancer, a disease that she said had impacted multiple lead actresses from the show.

“Mine was an aggressive form,” the actress said, according to People.

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Her decision to share her diagnosis publicly was driven by a desire to help other women—especially knowing how deeply cancer has touched the Charlie’s Angels family. Both Jackson, 77, and Smith, 80, have also previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. Original Charlie’s Angels star Farrah Fawcett died at age 62 in 2009, three years after she was diagnosed with anal cancer. 

Smith recalled the moment she learned of Ladd’s diagnosis. “When Cheryl called me, the first thing I did was send her my wigs. She was so brave,” Smith said.

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Cheryl Ladd’s husband supported her during her breast cancer battle

Opening up about the physical and emotional toll of her breast cancer treatment, Ladd described what it was like to face an aggressive form of the disease and lose her hair along the way. She spoke with raw honesty about one of the most difficult experiences of her life—and about the person who stood by her side through every moment of it.

“I was bald. It was a humbling experience and yet I have a wonderful husband… he was there for me at every turn,” Ladd said during the panel. “Eventually I started to get little sprouts of hair. It was a long, long, hard road, but you just get on with it.”

Ladd also credited her “wonderful doctors” with helping her overcome her illness, and urged women not to ignore changes in their breasts.

Wellness

Beauty Guru Laura Geller, 67, Shares Her Breast Cancer Story and Advocacy Work

Laura Geller, 67, didn’t plan to go public with her breast cancer story. The beauty entrepreneur initially kept quiet, convinced her early-stage diagnosis didn’t warrant attention compared to others facing harder battles. But her friends pushed back—and their encouragement changed everything. Now cancer-free and advocating for others through her work with the Dubin Breast Center […]

Ladd on the enduring legacy of Charlie’s Angels

Charlie’s Angels aired for five seasons on ABC from 1976 to 1981 and later spawned a hit movie reboot starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. In an exclusive 2019 interview with Ladd, the star opened up about the empowering message behind the original show.

“Isn’t it interesting how intimidated men in the press and in general were by the show? They had to put it down in some way,” she said. “I mean, okay, we were young women who wore bathing suits and that was part of the draw, but they missed the whole other part. The part of empowered and highly intelligent women.” 

“Women who had to act on their feet and make quick decisions and look after each other,” she added. “I always say we were like three grown up girl scouts, but that was a good, powerful image for young women. Of course, I didn’t realize how powerful it was for women to kind of break out and be the person they wanted to be, and that it was inspirational to so many young women.”

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For generations of fans, William Shatner has always projected a kind of indestructibility that has beautifully mirrored his most famous on screen role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Whether commanding the bridge of the Enterprise, stepping onto a convention stage or literally heading into outer space well into his 90s, he’s remained a visible, active presence in pop culture.

Which is precisely why, over the past couple of weeks, a wave of alarming social media posts claiming the 95-year-old actor was suffering from terminal brain cancer spread so quickly—and why they hit fans as hard as they did. The problem (actually, it’s more like relief) is that none of it was true. And Shatner himself has now stepped in to set the record straight in no uncertain terms.

The claims were specific enough to be frightening: that Shatner had “stage 4 brain cancer,” that he was “dying,” that he had only a short time left. In some versions, the posts were accompanied by images showing him frail or hospitalized—images that, in reality, had been artificially generated. The source of much of this misinformation was traced to a Facebook page operating under the name “The Beanstalk Functions Group,” which presented itself as a legitimate business while posting sensational celebrity stories designed to drive clicks. And for many fans scrolling quickly through their feeds, the posts looked convincing enough to believe—and to share.

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The wrath of Shat!

The first indication that something was seriously wrong didn’t come from a news outlet, but rather from Shatner’s own family. As he explained in a Facebook post, the rumor had already reached the next generation before he even had a chance to address it publicly.

“My daughter,” he posted, “came over to tell me that her daughter heard that I had brain cancer. She took this photo and sent it to me to upload to prove I’m not ill. The people who are ill are those that are spreading these ridiculous stories. I’m fit as a fiddle. You don’t have to worry. This is getting insane.” 

Shatner followed up with a second, more detailed post—one that pulled back the curtain on exactly how these stories were being created and circulated: “I wanted to put this out yesterday but given the day and the possibility that it would look like a joke, I waited for today. There is a page on facebook that is using AI to create horrible fake news stories about me. The page is by The Beanstalk Functions Group which is allegedly an Event Planner in South Africa. They have created stories that say I have stage 4 brain cancer, was in some kind of fight with Erika Kirk and that I’m dying. All their stories are monetized. Most of the stories use an AI image of me. Facebook Support will not remove the page. Each story is accompanied by a website link in the post that is hosted on Next.js where some of you may have seen my post to the CEO of that company on X asking him to remove these fake stories.

“None of these stories are true,” he continued, “but they apparently seem genuine enough for fans to repost them across social media and send messages of support to me and my family all while the culprits behind the account make money. This is the downside of AI and yellow journalism. While it can be a wonderful tool in the right hands; it can be used as a weapon in the wrong hands.”

Part of what gave these claims traction is that, at a glance, they didn’t seem entirely implausible. Shatner is 95. He has dealt with real health issues in the past, including a successful battle with melanoma. There have also been recent, legitimate reports of a minor medical scare and a shoulder injury requiring surgery. In other words, there was just enough truth around the edges to make the fiction feel believable, which is how these types of stories tend to work. 

Celebrity death hoaxes are nothing new—Shatner himself has been the subject of them before. But what’s changed is the technology behind them and the speed at which they spread. The addition of AI-generated imagery, combined with monetized clickbait structures, has created something more sophisticated than the old rumor mill—these posts more often look like they’re part of a news cycle than they ever have before. And once they begin circulating, the emotional response from fans—whether it be concern, grief or nostalgia—does the rest.

Still boldly going

But insofar as William Shatner is concerned, it seems like nothing is holding him back. In the past few weeks he’s been heralding his Wrath of Khan tour, in which he accompanies screening of the 1982 Star Trek film to reflect on its making and legacy; the fact that for charity he’s gotten involved with  artist Tim Wakefield and his art studio Soundwaves Art  to turn the sound waves of Star Trek’s theme song into beautiful abstract artworks, for which he autographed a limited-edition; he’s continuing to work on a heavy metal album(!) and then there’s this:

In other words, at 95 William Shatner is showing no signs of slowing down and is continuing to live long and prosper. And his fans wouldn’t have it any other way!

Alex Duong, a comedian and actor known for guest-starring in Blue Bloods passed away on March 28 at age 42 from a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma known as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This type of malignant cancer typically develops in the head and neck area, arms and legs or urinary or reproductive systems. . 

“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends,” the actor’s friend Hilarie Steele shared on a GoFundMe account dedicated to helping Duong and his family. “Christina [his wife] and Everest [his daughter] were able to see him last night, and he was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born. We are devastated, but so grateful for the support, prayers, and generosity you have all shown during this unimaginable time. Your continued support now means everything as Christina and Everest navigate the days ahead and to arrange a beautiful celebration of his life.” 

Here we look back at his cancer journey, including the symptoms he experienced. Read on for more. 

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What is alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma? 

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a very rare form of cancer that affects around approximately one out of a million people. It’s more often found in children and teens. 

“It presents as either a limb or paraspinal mass, thoracic mass, abdominal wall mass or within the retroperitoneum [the area behind the abdominal cavity],” says Blen Tesfu, MD, a physician and medical advisor at Welzo.  

A look at Alex Duong’s cancer journey 

Duong was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in early 2025 after experiencing headaches behind his eyes. He also had a swollen eyeball that caught his family and friend’s attention. Both of those issues turned out to be symptoms of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which had formed around his optic nerve. This then caused a massive malignant mass to block blood flow to his optic nerve, resulting in surgery, which the GoFundMe helped pay for. 

“It makes me cry because I know people are struggling so hard right now, and they’re still giving,” Duong told the Los Angeles Times in April 2025. “Comedians always have each other’s backs when times are sh-t. We know how hard it is to pine and struggle and scrape by in this lifestyle, just so we can do these jokes and keep improving. It’s a beautiful thing to see in this world; it really is.”

Duong kept the details of his cancer journey private, but from time to time, his friends shared updates on the GoFundMe page. 

“Right now, Alex is incredibly weak. The cancer in his spine has taken a heavy toll on his body, and he can barely walk. He has been admitted back into the hospital to receive another round of chemotherapy,” Steele wrote in an update on GoFundMe in May 2025. “Christina continues to work full-time while caring for Alex and their five-year-old daughter, Everest. The emotional and physical weight of everything happening is enormous, and some days it’s hard to even process it all.” 

“And yet, Everest continues to bring light into their lives,” she added. “Children have a way of reminding us to keep going, even in the hardest moments.”

Wellness

The Early ALS Symptom Eric Dane Dismissed as Texting Fatigue

Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on February 19 at age 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—the symptoms of which can be easy to miss in its early stages. The beloved TV star and father of two had been living with ALS since his diagnosis in 2024.  “With […]

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms you need to know

For Duong, his alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms came in the form of headaches and swollen eyes. Dr. Tesfu says most people with this condition will have a big mass or lump that will continue to grow over time. 

“While some masses may be painful, many are not, so a person may wait until they become too large and start to push into surrounding structures,” she explains. “Tumors are likely to disrupt functioning tissue and/or organs as they grow, depending on where the tumor has grown. For example, if the tumor is located within the chest area, it could affect one’s ability to breathe; nerve-related tumors could cause numbness and weakness. Any persistent or unusual changes need to be looked at by your doctor immediately.” 

As for risk factors? Dr. Tesfu says that the disease has an unclear origin, making it harder to track who is more likely to get it. “Lifestyle-related risk factors for developing ARMS are very difficult to identify,” she says. “Some inherited genetic disorders can slightly elevate a person’s susceptibility to developing ARMS, although this is extremely uncommon.” 

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma treatment options

Following alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis, treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. 

“The overall goal of these is to either remove the cancerous tumor(s) or reduce their size while at the same time treating areas that the cancer may have spread to,” Dr.Tesfu explains. “The specifics of each patient’s treatment plan will depend upon how far along the cancer has progressed, as well as where it is located within the body. Additionally, new advances in targeted therapy, as well as ongoing clinical trials, offer additional treatment options for some patients.”

She adds that multidisciplinary teams working together can improve long-term survival.

Wellness

Snooki Reveals Cervical Cancer Warning Sign: ‘They Caught It So Early'

On February 20, reality TV star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi announced on TikTok that she was diagnosed with a type of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma after getting results from a recent biopsy. The 38-year-old is best known for starring in the reality show Jersey Shore.  “Obviously not the news I’ve been hoping for, but also not […]

What to do if you notice symptoms of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 

Visit your doctor if you notice a mass or lump, especially one that continues to grow over time. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may order a CT, MRI, PET and/or bone scan, as well as a biopsy of the area in question to confirm a diagnosis and help develop a personalized treatment plan.

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Barry Manilow’s ’70s and ’80s hits have stood the test of time, continuing to resurface in social media videos from TikTok to Instagram. Recently, Manilow, 82, made headlines again after opening up about his lung cancer diagnosis, which he first revealed in an Instagram statement about his health in December 2025. Here’s a closer look at how Manilow was diagnosed, how the experience changed him and what’s next for him—plus what doctors say you can do to lower your risk of lung cancer today.

How Barry Manilow was diagnosed with lung cancer

According to People, Manilow sought medical care last November after experiencing hip discomfort. His doctor ordered imaging of his pelvis, and after learning he had recently recovered from two bouts of bronchitis, also decided to examine his lungs. It was at this point that Manilow’s stage one lung cancer was detected.

“He saved my life, because there’s no symptoms for what I had,” Manilow told People. “I could go on, nothing hurt—but they found the dot in my lung,” Manilow says. “They called me and said, ‘Could be cancer.’ That’s a bad word. ‘Not me. F— you. I can’t have cancer.’”

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Manilow’s lung cancer surgery was a success

Just a month after being diagnosed with stage one lung cancer, Manilow underwent a lobectomy.

“A lobectomy involves removing the lobe of the lung containing the tumor along with nearby lymph nodes,” explains Vincent Mase, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine. “In most cases, this can be performed using minimally-invasive techniques such as video-assisted or robotic surgery. These approaches reduce pain, shorten hospital stays and allow for faster recovery while maintaining excellent cancer control.”

Manilow’s surgery successfully removed the cancer, and he was discharged after spending a week in the ICU, per People. “I don’t remember it, thank goodness, because it was a nightmare,” Manilow said in the interview. “I’m one of the lucky ones; I don’t have to have chemo, radiation and all that stuff.”

Wellness

Maria Menounos’ Cancer Story Is a Wake-Up Call for Every Woman (EXCL)

When it comes to cancer, early detection can make a world of difference. Just ask Maria Menounos, the Emmy-winning TV host and actress who’s also a survivor of pancreatic cancer. After a difficult journey of trying to get a diagnosis for unclear symptoms and having to advocate for herself and her health, Menounos was finally […]

Lung cancer like Manilow’s is often found incidentally

“They don’t even know how long I had this thing sitting on me,” Manilow told People. “It could have been years. If it had gone any further, then I would be up s—’s creek. It just so happened that it hadn’t spread, and boy oh boy, I thought I might be dying.”

If you’ve ever had routine testing uncover an unexpected health issue, you understand Manilow’s experience. But how common is this when it comes to lung cancer? Dr. Mase has insights. 

“Many early lung cancers are discovered incidentally on chest X-rays or CT scans performed for unrelated reasons such as persistent cough, pneumonia, bronchitis or even trauma,” says Dr. Mase. “These cancers are often small and asymptomatic, which is why imaging—even when done for another purpose—plays such an important role in early detection.”

Catching lung cancer early can be life-saving 

“When lung cancer is found ‘early,’ it means the cancer is confined to the lung and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, typically classified as Stage I,” says Dr. Mase.  “This distinction is critical because early-stage lung cancer is often curable. Surgery alone may be sufficient; survival rates are significantly higher and many patients can avoid chemotherapy or radiation. Once lung cancer spreads beyond the lung, treatment becomes more complex and outcomes decline substantially.”

How Manilow’s lung cancer diagnosis changed him

Manilow shared that his cancer experience has changed the way he reflects on the relationships and moments that matter most.

“It has really, really made me take stock of my life,” Manilow said in the interview. “This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy? Have I been a good friend? All of those cornball things that I’ve read for all of my life, I started to think about that, too. It really did stop me in my tracks. And the answers are yes. And as a matter of fact, there are more yeses than I ever thought.”

Today, Manilow is cancer-free and back to doing what he loves. His 2025 song “Once Before I Go” climbed into the top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart this March, and his new release “What a Time” is set to debut in June.

Entertainment

Michael Bolton Reflects on Health Journey With Cancer

Known for his powerful ballads and music career spanning decades, it’s no wonder that Michael Bolton is regarded as an industry legend. Now, at 72, the iconic singer is opening up about his health and wellness, specifically his cancer diagnosis in 2023. After undergoing brain surgery and other forms of treatment, Bolton is sharing the […]

How to reduce your risk of lung cancer 

“In the U.S., more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer each year, yet the topic of lung cancer prevention is never high on the list for women’s health,” says  Thomas L. Bauer, MD, FACS, chair of surgery and chief of thoracic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. 

“We see this when it comes to cancer screenings,” he continues. “For instance, 85 percent of women who are eligible to receive mammograms get screened for breast cancer, while for lung cancer, that number is only 15 percent. With increased education on where to get screened for lung cancer and risk factor reduction, including smoking cessation, we can create a healthier environment for women.”

According to the CDC, the best ways to reduce your risk of lung cancer include:

• Quitting smoking (see our best tips to kick the habit)
• Avoiding secondhand smoke
• Testing your home for radon and reducing levels, if necessary
• Reducing exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds such as asbestos)

The bottom line on lung cancer

Persistent symptoms of lung cancer should never be ignored, Dr. Mase says.

“A cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or recurrent ‘infections’ that don’t resolve—particularly in current or former smokers—should prompt further evaluation,” says Dr. Mase. “Patients should feel empowered to ask whether additional imaging or follow-up is warranted. Early detection can mean the difference between a highly-treatable cancer and one that is far more difficult to cure.”

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Laura Geller, 67, didn’t plan to go public with her breast cancer story. The beauty entrepreneur initially kept quiet, convinced her early-stage diagnosis didn’t warrant attention compared to others facing harder battles. But her friends pushed back—and their encouragement changed everything. Now cancer-free and advocating for others through her work with the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, Geller is using her voice to help women navigate the fear and emotional weight of a diagnosis. 

In a powerful conversation on this week’s What Matters with Liz episode, she opened up about the moment everything changed, why early-stage cancer is still terrifying and how sharing her journey became an unexpected gift to others walking the same path.

Geller kept her breast cancer journey quiet at first

When Geller’s doctor called with a breast cancer diagnosis, she was sitting in her car at QVC between shows. She started to cry—and she said she doesn’t cry easily. “I was crying so much and I thought, ‘I don’t think I can go back on air,’” Geller said. “ I can’t do that show.”

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Geller called her team. “Yeah, no, I’m not coming back to QVC. I’m driving home.” They asked if she was okay to drive. She told them she’d get home, but going back on air was out of the question. She couldn’t see herself walking onto a set and saying, “Hi, everybody” after such life-changing news. 

That raw, unfiltered moment in the parking lot was the kind of story Geller initially kept close. For a long time, she didn’t feel entitled to speak about her experience publicly. Her reasoning was simple: Other people had it worse.

“My journey was not a hard one compared to so many people we know and we read about,” she said. “So I never felt like I had the right to talk about it that much because I didn’t go through the perils of some of the things some of my friends have been through.”

But Geller’s friends saw it differently. “They would say to me, ‘That’s ridiculous. And you need to still tell your journey because you could inspire somebody or help somebody that may be going through it. Maybe they’re in the same spot that you were in,’” the beauty mogul said. 

Wellness

5 Brave Stars Open up About Surviving Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year it somehow manages to be even more inspirational, inspiring and moving than ever before. This year, to draw attention to this very important month, we have rounded up the stories of five brave women who have battled the disease. From Danielle Fishel to Hoda Kotb, they […]

Finding humor in a frightening chapter

That nudge from her inner circle changed Geller’s approach. She now talks openly about her diagnosis, her fear and the dark humor she leaned on to cope. When she first told close friends, she went with a characteristic bit of levity: “Just so you know, I have a little cancer.”

The joke landed differently depending on who heard it, but for Geller, humor was a survival mechanism during a scary chapter of her life. “That was very frightening,” she said of the diagnosis itself, acknowledging the fear plainly before pivoting to how she processed it.

Why an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis is still scary 

One point worth noting: A stage one or stage two diagnosis doesn’t mean the terror is any less real. With rates of breast cancer diagnosis continuing to rise, Woman’s World editor-in-chief and podcast host Liz Vaccariello noted, more people are receiving that call from their doctor. And the reaction Geller described (the tears, the inability to function, the instinct to retreat) is not reserved for late-stage cases.

“I think it’s even more common that people get that diagnosis,” Vaccariello said. “It’s okay to be terrified even if it’s stage one or stage two.” And Geller wholeheartedly agreed.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Early detection has improved survival rates, but the emotional weight of hearing the word “cancer” still hits home. People who receive an early-stage diagnosis sometimes minimize their own fear because they feel they should be grateful it wasn’t worse. Geller felt that pull herself before her friends intervened.

Uncategorized

Jill Martin Says Gratitude and Humor Got Her Through Cancer (EXCL)

Emmy Award-winning NBC TODAY contributor Jill Martin is beloved by millions of viewers for sharing the relatable ups and downs of life—including her difficult battle with breast cancer. Here, she reveals how humor, positivity and gratitude have made her stronger than ever! When entrepreneur, author and TODAY show contributor Jill Martin, 49, received the call […]

From breast cancer patient to board member

Today, Geller is cancer free. “I feel terrific,” she said.

Since recovering, she channeled her experience into advocacy work. She now serves on the board of the Dubin Breast Center, where she’s focused on supporting others navigating their own diagnoses. The shift from private patient to active board member represents a deliberate choice to stay connected to the community she once hesitated to join publicly. “It’s so important to be there for people and to understand their journeys,” she said.

Her philosophy on sharing her breast cancer journey is straightforward. She doesn’t frame it as bravery or activism. She frames it as utility. When someone who has been through cancer talks openly about the experience, it creates a reference point for someone who just received their own diagnosis. It answers the unspoken question: What does this actually feel like?

“The more we talk about it, the more it just gives people something to hold on to,” Vaccariello summed up. 

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