10 Arab Celebrities Who Have Battled Breast Cancer

These inspiring women have directly contributed to the cause by bravely fighting the disease.

Since 1986, October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a month in which mammogram tests are widely accessible and women are encouraged to be particularly mindful of their breast health. In honour of breast cancer survivors across the globe, consumers and businesses come together with the objective of gathering funds for research initiatives and patients in need.

Breast cancer survivors do not have to fight in solitude, and as a token of support, Bazaar Arabia has compiled a list of influential Arab artists who have been affected by the disease. While many survivors were triumphant, others unfortunately succumbed to the battle – but no matter what, we wish to remember these spectacular women in a positive light, as beacons of hope who bravely fought a noble battle and inspired other survivors to do the same.

Arab Artists Who Have Fought Breast Cancer

Shadia (1929-2017) – Egyptian Actor

Courtesy of @egyptianstreets

Whilst acting on stage in the renowned “Raya and Skina” play, Shadia recalls feeing a sharp pain in her chest – which was subsequently diagnosed as breast cancer. The iconic actor underwent treatment in the United States and triumphantly returned to acting that same year. Despite her victory against breast cancer, the harrowing battle unfortunately forced her to remove one of her breasts.

Fayza Ahmed (1934-1983) – Syrian-Egyptian Singer

Courtesy of @vinylpurge

Fayza Ahmed’s spirit proved to be as strong and beautiful as her voice, as she persistently sang and recorded music despite her breast cancer diagnosis. The illness unfortunately claimed the star’s life in 1983.

Elissa – Lebanese Singer

Courtesy of @elissazkh

Elissa announced her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 — in a music video for her song “To All Those Who Love Me.” On her podcast titled Elissa – The Podcast, the Bitmoun singer spoke candidly about the illness, which she fortunately overcame in 2019.

Hoda Kotb – American-Egyptian Broadcast Journalist

Courtesy of @hodakotb

The famous news anchor was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, after unexpectedly finding lumps during a routine check-up. Despite a difficult double mastectomy procedure, Hoda did not give up — and today, she is cancer-free.

Rim Banna – Palestinian Singer

Courtesy of @rimbanna

After a decade-long battle with breast cancer, Rim Banna passed away in 2018. The singer overcame the illness when she was first diagnosed, but she unfortunately succumbed to the second diagnosis.

Zahra Alkharji – Kuwaiti Actor

Courtesy of @zahraalkharji

The Kuwaiti actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, at the age of 43. After undergoing treatment for two years in London, Zahra defeated breast cancer and returned to acting. “The most important thing is to maintain a good spirit,” shared the actor.

Basma Wahba – Egyptian Journalist

Courtesy of @basma_wahba

With unwavering willpower and hope, Basma defeated breast cancer in 2020. She has stated that heredity played an important role in her diagnosis, sharing that both her mother and grandmother have been impacted by the disease. She additionally emphasized the importance of early detection, warning that detection at a later stage correlates with more tumours and, accordingly, a harsher treatment process.

Nora Rahal – Syrian-Lebanese Singer

Courtesy of @norarahal

The singer was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage back in 2007. Early detection meant that chemotherapy was not necessary, and today, the singer is completely cancer-free. “My illness taught me how to deal with things patiently,” shares Nora.

Amal Dabbas – Jordanian Artist

Courtesy of @amaldabbas_official

The Jordanian actor and singer’s life-long dream is to portray the struggles of breast cancer survivors in a cinematic project, seeing as her three-year long battle with the illness forced her to remove one of her breasts. The World Food Program ambassador emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mentality whilst battling the disease, sharing, “Cancer is not death. Fear and surrender make the disease lethal.”

Yasmine Ghaith – Egyptian Actor and Fashion Designer

Courtesy of @yasmineghaith

Yasmine was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2016. The beloved actor and fashion mogul has fortunately won her battle, and in a TEDx Talk titled “I Told Cancer I Love You,” she spoke candidly about how her cancer diagnosis made her a stronger and more positive individual. Today, the actor is a dedicated breast cancer awareness advocate.

Lead image courtesy of @elissazkh