Top 10 Times Shows Dealt with Breast Cancer

People often think of breast cancer as a condition exclusive to women. Statistically, breast cancer is more common among females, but when a man notices a lump, they should also take it seriously. Every year, more than 2,000 men are diagnosed with this kind of cancer. In a Season 7 “Scrubs” episode, John is shocked to learn that anyone can get breast cancer. While most breast cancer storylines deal with fear, John’s emphasizes embarrassment. Nobody should feel ashamed about having breast cancer, but many still can’t help but experience such feelings, which is why you need a strong support system. In John’s case, though, he chooses to go it alone. It’s not the most optimistic resolution, but it sadly rings true for some.

“A Million Little Things” is another show that reminds us men can get breast cancer too. This isn’t the only reason that Gary Mendez’s storyline stands out. When we first meet Gary, he’s in remission after battling cancer. Although Gary has seemingly overcome the hardest part, trauma and the fear that it’ll come back can take a toll on survivors every day. Maggie identifies with this, as her cancer returns early in the series. At first, Maggie would rather make the most of the time she has left than undergo more treatment. As her romance with Gary blossoms, though, she finds the strength to keep fighting. Unfortunately, Gary and Maggie’s experience with cancer doesn’t end there, but they’re not alone.

When the writers decided to have Mary Beth Lacey confront cancer in this two-parter, actress Tyne Daly reportedly told them, “guys, what’s the matter, you don’t like me?” Although Lacey initially felt “rejection,” she came to see this as an opportunity to not only tell an important story, but to tell it right. The police procedural was praised for its informative depiction of breast cancer without coming off as preachy. These episodes explore denial, anxiety, and the frustration cancer patients feel when others treat them differently. At the story arc’s core is the titular friendship, which sees Cagney convince Lacey to get a second opinion. In due course, Lacey gets a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy, putting her on a smoother road to recovery.

Discovering a lump on her breast, Dana soon finds that she has invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive and the most common form of breast cancer. It isn’t until after Dana learns that her cancer has spread that she decides to open up to others. While she pushes Lara away, Dana grows closer than ever to Alice. Tragically, Dana’s health deteriorates quickly, dying as Alice takes a break from her bedside after five agonizing days. As if that’s not heartbreaking enough, Dana’s prejudiced parents shun her friends at the funeral, forcing them to take matters into their own hands. After three seasons, it wasn’t easy watching Dana go, but an anonymous $1 million donation was made to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation in her honor.

The SATs are always stressful, but things are put into perspective when Brenda discovers a lump, undergoing a far more nerve-wracking test. Although cancer is difficult for anyone to grasp, it’s especially distressing for a young person who thought they were healthy. Brenda is fortunate, as her biopsy comes back negative. The episode teaches an important lesson about breast self-exams. Years later, actress Shannen Doherty examined herself like Brenda, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in March 2015. It wasn’t until a fan mentioned this episode on Twitter that Doherty remembered Brenda’s cancer scare. Although she was in remission by 2017, Doherty’s cancer has since returned and is in stage four. A true fighter, Doherty has informed and inspired.

A virgin who accidentally undergoes artificial insemination, Jane Villanueva can safely say that not many others have been in her shoes. However, her mother faces an all-too-familiar challenge when a seemingly routine hospital visit results in a frightening discovery. Xiomara is diagnosed with stage three invasive lobular carcinoma, capturing the unpredictable nature of breast cancer and cancer in general. Above all else, this storyline captures the difficult decision-making process that comes with cancer as Xo tries to do what’s best for her body and mind. Xo’s battle also showcased a chemotherapy treatment rarely depicted on TV, cold cap therapy. Although it reduces hair loss, this treatment isn’t much easier to endure, but Xo remains surrounded by loved ones as she beats it.

“Murphy Brown” regularly tackled serious subjects, such as addiction, sexual harassment, and the unwaranted stigma that can come with being a single working mother. In the show’s tenth and initially final season, Murphy faced her most dire challenge yet: breast cancer. The season touches upon many experiences that can come with cancer, such as wearing a wig, attending support groups, and learning to say the word out loud. And yes, there’s room for humor courtesy of medical marijuana. The season culminates with Murphy undergoing surgery and having an out-of-body interview with God. Diane English, the show’s creator, delivers Murphy’s clean bill of health. Demonstrating how influential this sitcom was even during its later seasons, that year saw a 30% rise in women getting mammograms.

Like “Murphy Brown,” “Sex and the City” wrapped up its initial run with a breast cancer storyline. Although older than her three friends, Samantha Jones has always been the show’s liveliest character. Samantha is forced to confront her mortality when she goes in for breast augmentation and comes out with a breast cancer diagnosis. While her three soulmates and boyfriend Smith remain supportive throughout, Samantha feels as if her identity is being stripped away as she loses her hair and sex drive. When she removes her wig at a cancer benefit dinner, Samantha finds that she’s still the same person: fearless, outspoken, and not giving a hoot what others think of her. Cancer changes people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be yourself.

Season 4 is considered by some fans to be this show’s most powerful due in part to Kristina Braverman’s breast cancer diagnosis. Kristina’s story arc came from a real place, as actress Monica Potter found something suspicious when she went in for a mammogram. Wondering how this might impact the show, Potter suggested that they explore breast cancer. “Parenthood” creator Jason Katims’ wife is also a breast cancer survivor. So, it’s not all that surprising that Katims was already considering a cancer storyline. Thankfully, Potter only had a cyst, but Kristina would battle cancer in an arc that put the brave in “Braverman.” Potter delivered what might be the performance of her career with many feeling she should’ve received an Emmy nomination for this season.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Stage Two” & “Placebo Effect,” “Archer” (2009-)
For All the Dark Humor, Ruth’s Fate Leads to Some Powerful Character Development

“Lisa’s Belly,” “The Simpsons” (1989-)
Real-Life Breast Cancer Survivor Renee Ridgeley Voices The Progressive Dr. Wendy Sage

Celia’s Cancer, “Weeds” (2005-12)
Just When It Looks Like Things Can’t Get Worse, Life Throws More Cargo Into Her Life

Roslin the Resilient, “Battlestar Galactica” (2004-09)
This President Never Stopped Fighting

“All in the Family” was groundbreaking for addressing issues that were taboo in the 70s and, in some cases, are still touchy today. When this episode aired, it was beyond unconventional for a sitcom to deal with breast cancer - on a Christmas episode, no less. When Edith finds a lump, she’s initially in denial. Even after she opens up to others and finally says the word “cancer,” Edith fears how Archie will view her. In one of the show’s most revolutionary moments, Irene talks about having a mastectomy, normalizing it for Edith and the audience. For all his faults, Archie steps up as a supportive spouse in the end. We’re left on a humorous and heartwarming note as an excited Edith finds out she’s cancer-free.