Olivia Newton-John, who died at age 73, openly battled cancer for 30 years.
Her battle began in 1992 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She soon began advocating for research into the disease.
In 2013, 21 years after her initial diagnosis, doctors discovered she had cancer in her shoulder as well. However, Newton-John has chosen to keep this second diagnosis a secret from her family, her friends and fans.
"The first time we spoke, and the second time, I was like, 'I don't need to share this.' It's my life. I decided to keep it a secret," saysOn Australia's "Sunday Night"she spoke about deciding to keep quiet.
I learned that the breast cancer had recurred and spread to my sacrum.
Her concert The singer, who was in the middle of her tour, postponed her first half due to severe back pain caused by what she thought was sciatica.
However, tests show that it actually metastasizes and forms tumors It is revealed that it was cancer at the base of her spine. The tumor caused a sacral fracture and a pelvic fracture.
"We had a lot of things we were going to do for her birthday, but God had other plans," she said at the time. After explaining, he told people. to celebrate her 70th birthday.
"But I have a wonderful husband who has supported me through all those things," she said of how her third bout with cancer has affected her mental health.
She alsodetailed how natural remedies can be combined to treat ailments. This includes cutting out sugar and using medical cannabis tinctures from plants her husband John Easterling grows on their California property.
After her initial cancer diagnosis, Newton-John founded Olivia Her Newton-John Cancer and Health Research Center in her hometown of Melbourne. Her advocacy for research and better treatments will be a big part of her legacy and her storied singing career.
On Monday,Newton-John passed away, surrounded by his family, after a 30-year battle with.
"Olivia shared her battle with breast cancer for over 30 years and was a symbol of victory and hope," read a statement on her Facebook page. "Her healing inspiration and her pioneering experience with botanical medicine continues the Olivia Newton-John Foundation endowment dedicated to botanical medicine and cancer research."
