It is a disease that people associate with extreme pain, physical discomfort, unpleasant alteration of physical appearance, baldness, emotional trauma for the sufferers their families, astronomical treatment costs, and an undignified death. As of 2004, Cancer caused 13% of all deaths worldwide. Research indicates that in the developed world, one in three people will die of cancer. With such a high rate of incidence, cancer affects people from all walks of life – common men and women to famous celebrities. John Wayne and more recently Patrick Swayze are two famous people who succumbed to the disease. The list of celebrity deaths caused by cancer contains some other illustrious names like Paul Newman, Walk Disney, Gary Cooper, Nat King Cole, and Yul Brynner.

There are also a number of famous celebrities who survived the disease and have become role models for thousands of cancer sufferers around the world.

Steve Jobs, the charismatic CEO of Apple is one such survivor. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004. The cancer had a drastic effect on his physical appearance, reducing him in to a frail and gaunt shadow of his former self. But Jobs underwent a radical new procedure to tackle a form of cancer formerly considered incurable. Jobs is now in remission after a part of his pancreas was removed, and is now back at the forefront of decision making at Apple.

Professional road racing cyclist Lance Armstrong’s successful battle against cancer continues to inspire. Armstrong was given only a 2% chance of survival when diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, as the disease had spread to his brain, lungs, and abdomen. Armstrong survived the cancer with an aggressive form of chemotherapy, and returned to training only five months after his diagnosis. Since 1996, Armstrong has dedicated himself fighting cancer and supporting the cancer community.

Some other famous people to beat the killer disease include political figure Nelson Mandela, comic actor Gene Wilder, actresses Olivia Newton John and Suzanne Somers, and celebrity performer Kylie Minogue.

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