Sheryl Crow: Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate

Sheryl Crow, rising from a backup singer for Michael Jackson to selling more than 30 million solo albums, is a breast cancer survivor.

Well-known for her hits "All I Wanna Do", "Strong Enough" and "Everyday is a Winding Road", Crow is currently touring in support of her most recent album, "100 Miles from Memphis".

Sheryl Crow's breast cancer was discovered during a routine mammogram and she agreed with the initial decision to follow-up in six months. Then 44 years old with no family history of breast cancer, Crow changed her mind and followed up immediately. Diagnosed in 2006, just 6 days after announcing her split from cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, Crow underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment to become cancer-free within a year.

During Crow's breast cancer treatment, she began the adoption process and welcomed her son Wyatt to the world one year after she was diagnosed. In 2010, Crow adopted her second son, Levi.

In an interview with Dr. Oz in April 2010, Sheryl Crow candidly spoke of her breast cancer diagnoses, the alternative treatments she chose while going through radiation and how she came to be a breast cancer advocate.

During radiation treatment, Crow also turned to acupuncture and "stinky teas" while focusing on the meditation that had been a part of her life for many years. While she believed she had "mostly" practiced a healthy lifestyle throughout her life, Crow did choose to embrace foods that have curative powers for the body that aid in battling cancer such as leafy green vegetables, garlic, green tea and olive oil.

During Crow's breast cancer journey, she realized that she had a fan base of those who could most benefit from her message: early detection equals a better chance of surviving. Only 20% of breast cancer patients have a family history of the disease, and this statistic only enforces the necessity of monthly self-checks and regular mammograms.

The Grammy-winning artist has since become a very outspoken advocate for early detection and regular mammograms. She also lent her name to the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center at the Pink Lotus Breast Center which is dedicated solely to breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnoses and treatment. The Pink Lotus Breast Center does not invest in research; they dedicate their charitable arm, Pink Lotus Petals, to assisting underprivileged and uninsured women through their breast cancer journey.

To contribute to the breast cancer care of low-income or uninsured women, visit the Pink Lotus Petals website here.

Related Article: Boob Cooties: When Your Friend Has Breast Cancer

Sources: Crow's Interview with Dr. Oz ; Sheryl Crow official website ; Pink Lotus Breast Center ; Pink Lotus Petals