If you’re living with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), you aren’t alone. However, it may not feel that way. If you’re the only person you know with this condition, it may be helpful to see public figures coming forward to talk about how they live with triple-negative breast cancer.

When celebrities share their stories about cancer diagnosis and treatment, it can help raise awareness for a condition that a lot of people aren’t familiar with. Read on to learn about four public figures who have discussed their lives with triple-negative breast cancer.

1. Joan Lunden

When journalist Joan Lunden was initially diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in 2014, she immediately went into fight mode. The five-time Emmy nominee underwent cancer cancer treatment including chemotherapy (chemo), surgery, and radiation. The treatment caused her to lose her hair, and she worked with a dietitian to curb other side effects that her care team anticipated.

“I ate really clean, whole foods,” she said. “And I think that really helped. I didn’t have nausea or any real stomach upset.”

When she completed treatment, Lunden decided to become an advocate for breast cancer screening, early detection, and awareness.

“I hear from too many women who are fighting their fight alone. Whether it’s with family, friends, online forums or social media, find a support group. Sharing information in groups can be therapeutic.” Lunden encouraged.

Lunden continues to share her story, providing support to those battling triple-negative breast cancer and other diseases. “I also really appreciate the heightened awareness I have of my ability to have an impact on this earth,” she said. “That when all is said and done, my life will have had signifi­cant meaning.”

2. Robin Roberts

“Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 when she was 46 years old. She had surgery to remove the tumor, as well as eight rounds of chemotherapy and more than six weeks of radiation therapy. But because the tumor was found to be triple-negative breast cancer, she knows she has to be vigilant about seeing her doctor regularly to ensure that this aggressive disease doesn’t come back.

Now a breast cancer survivor, the ABC journalist is working to raise awareness of the condition, particularly because women of color face a higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer. Her mother advised her to use her opportunity as a public figure to be the voice for those who may not have the resources she does.

Roberts urges people to get their annual checkups, routine mammograms, and secondary screenings if they have dense breast tissue. She’s committed to raising awareness and supporting others in similar situations. “I just want to be a big ol’ messenger,” she said.

3. Chaunte Lowe

Olympic track star Chaunte Lowe was just 34 when she was diagnosed with TNBC in 2019. "When I heard those words, I was extremely devastated,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine that a world-class athlete — [and] the healthiest that I had ever been — would face something like cancer.”

She continued to train for her fifth Olympic team while managing chemotherapy. She also used her high profile to advocate for breast cancer research and awareness at events, including through TedX talks and in small venues. “I don’t care if you have a group of four girls you want me to talk to, you call me up, and I will talk to them because my story has value — I understand that is what I have at my disposal,” she said.

Lowe said that she considers it one of her most important missions to share awareness about this type of cancer with others. “My greatest and next goal is to continue to use the gifts that I’ve been given to be able to spread this message about early detection and research, but also to give inspiration and hope and arm any group with the toolset to be able to persevere because it’s the story of my life,” she said. “What’s the point of living life if you don’t use it to serve others?”

4. Kimmi Scott

When reality star Kimmi Scott felt a breast lump in 2022, she knew not to ignore it because she’s a registered nurse. Further exploration worried her even more, because she discovered a second lump in her armpit, sparking concerns that her lymph nodes may be involved.

The star of “Love and Marriage: Huntsville” was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer just six days later. Her treatment included breast-conserving surgery, five months of aggressive chemotherapy, and 36 rounds of radiation therapy.

Now that her treatment regimen is behind her, Scott is using her celebrity status to build awareness around the condition. “This platform afforded me an insane opportunity to talk to people who look like me, who are disproportionately affected with breast cancer because they don’t go do mammograms, don’t know to do them, can’t afford them. And they just don’t really have a voice,” she said.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

The life expectancy for someone with triple-negative breast cancer depends on the cancer’s stage, how it responds to treatment, and the person’s overall health status.

For people with stage 4, or metastatic, TNBC, the average life expectancy is one and a half to two years. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, people with earlier-stage TNBC (stages 1 through 3) whose cancer responds to treatment have a much higher likelihood of surviving longer.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the relative five-year survival rate for females with TNBC (all stages) is 77 percent. This means that, five years after a diagnosis, females with TNBC are 77 percent as likely to still be alive as compared to people without TNBC. This statistic is from 2017, so with newer therapies, the survival rates might be higher.

It’s important to remember that life expectancies and survival rates are just averages. It’s possible to live longer than the average. Talk to your healthcare provider or oncologist for more information about your outlook and what to expect with TNBC.

Finding Solidarity Amidst a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The stories of these celebrities show us what it’s like to live with triple-negative breast cancer. They talk openly about it to let others know they’re not alone. By sharing their experiences, these people help create a sense of togetherness and support. It’s a reminder for anyone facing triple-negative breast cancer that they have a community standing with them.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you read about any celebrities who have shared their journey with triple-negative breast cancer? Let others know in the comments below.