Christina Applegate fought and survived breast cancer after a double mastectomy in 2008. She recently underwent another round of surgery to remove her ovaries and Fallopian tubes.
The "Married with Children" star disclosed during an interview with the "Today" show on NBC that she made the conscious choice to get the surgery to reduce her chances of developing the disease again. Her cousin died of ovarian cancer in the same year that she learned she had breast cancer.
Christa Applegate also learned she had the BRCA1 gene mutation and she feared for her only child, 6-year-old Sadie, who might end up losing her mom at such a young age.
She had to make the best choice to avoid cancer and that meant having the surgery.
Taking control and lifestyle change
Christina Applegate now feels she took control of her health and life following the surgery on her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
"It’s a relief," she said. "That’s one other thing off the table. Now, let’s hope I don’t get hit by a bus."
As a cancer survivor and learning the BRCA1 gene mutation is in her family, Christina Applegate knows her daughter might also develop the disease when she's older. So, the mom made a complete lifestyle change to influence her child.
Growing up vegetarian, removing stress
Christina Applegate prepares only the cleanest food for her family. They pluck vegetables from their own garden and most of what they eat is organic.
The mom is also teaching her daughter to be a vegan. She also makes it a point that her child isn't around too many stressors in her environment.
She understands, however, that not everyone has the same options as she and her daughter do, especially when there is so much going on in the world but for as long as she’s able to do something about her family’s health, she will press on.
"I’m doing everything I can on my end knowing that, in 20 years, she’ll have to start getting tested," the “Samantha Who?" star stated. "Hopefully by then, there will be advancements."
Regular checkups
Since her cancer diagnosis, Christina Applegate goes to her oncologist regularly as well. Following her double mastectomy, the actress used to get tests every three months but since she’s been free of cancer for nearly 10 years, her visits to the doctor happen twice a year.
She isn’t the only star who has made a conscious choice when it comes to beating the disease. Angelina Jolie also learned she has the BRCA1 gene mutation and has taken steps to get a double mastectomy and ovarian surgery.