Christina Applegate is Cancer-free Following Double Mastectomy

On the August 19, 2008 edition of ABC's "Good Morning America," Christina Applegate, start of sitcom "Samantha Who?" opened up about her battle with breast cancer and made a startling confession. At only 36 years of age, Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following an MRI screening. Three weeks after her diagnosis, she made the very difficult decision to remove both breasts to combat the cancer even though the cancer cells were only found to be in one breast. ""I just wanted to kind of be rid of it," she said. "So this was the choice I made and it was a tough one."

Christina Applegate's BRCA1 Gene Mutation Test
Applegate has been diligent to get tested as her mother, Nancy Priddy, battled breast cancer and had a breast removed. Applegate tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. This test confirms the possibility of inherited breast or ovarian cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation tests are helpful if there is a familial history of breast or ovarian cancer. The test is designed first to see what gene alteration the family member with a confirmed cancer diagnosis carries. Then the other family members are tested to see if they have that specific alteration.

A positive test result does not mean that the family member will get breast or ovarian cancer nor does it indicate when. But it is helpful so that the family member with the positive test result can be sure to get regular screenings for early detection.

Thanks to a doctor-ordered MRI test, Applegate was diagnosed very early and was able to deal with her cancer proactively.

Christina Applegate is Cancer-free
Following her double mastectomy, Applegate is pleased to announce that she is cancer free. Within the next eight months she plans to undergo reconstructive surgery. The actress jokes, "I'll have the best boobs in the nursing home. I'll be the envy of all the ladies around the bridge table."

Christina Applegate's battle with cancer certainly has not slowed her schedule. She plans to start a program to help fund MRIs for women with the positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 test results. Often insurance will not cover routine MRI screenings and she wants to help find a way to supplement the cost for early detection.

Applegate is also appearing on a one hour TV special entitled, "Stand Up to Cancer." The show will raise money for cancer research and will air on September 5, 2008 on NBC, ABC, and CBS.

Christina Applegate is Still Smiling
The Emmy winner has not lost her sense of humor. She said, "I've laughed so much in the last three weeks. I love living, and I really love my life, and I knew that from this moment on it was only going to be good that was going to be coming. Yeah, I'll face challenges, but you can't get any darker than where I've been. So knowing that in my soul gave me the strength to just say, `I have to get out there and make this a positive.'"

Christina Applegate has been nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for her work in the sitcom, "Samantha Who?" She is best known for her years as the Bundy's daughter on "Married with Children." She has also won an Emmy for her portrayal of Rachel's sister on "Friends."

Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000775/awards
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080819/ap_en_ce/people_christina_applegate;_ylt=AjOQeUdujTSkXTBB4hBUuy_K.nQA
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080819/en_nm/applegate_dc_4