Farrah Fawcett is losing her battle with cancer

May 7, 10:02 PMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

Previous Next

7 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Seattle Women's Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Farrah Fawcett Poster 1976 - Flickr

When you hear the name Farrah Fawcett, most people automatically think of her role as Jill Munroe in the ’70s hit show Charlie’s Angels. Ask any man that was a teenager during that decade and they will fondly remember the poster hanging in their room of her in a one piece red bathing suit. Farrah is only 62 years old, and in addition to her role in Charlie’s Angels, she has also had 3 Emmy Award nominations as well as several nominations for other awards including the Golden Globe Award and ACE awards. 

What you may not know is that Farrah was diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2006. She has been aggressively fighting the disease, but today People magazine released an exclusive interview with her long time companion, Ryan O’Neal, who confirmed the actress is losing her fight against this illness. O’Neal is quoted in the interview saying "She stays in bed now. The doctors see that she is comfortable. Farrah is on IVs, but some of that is for nourishment. The treatment has pretty much ended.”

Fawcett has been a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and an advocate for early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. She worked endlessly to help raise the awareness level regarding this type of disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2008 there were approximately 5,070 new cases of anal cancer diagnosed and 680 deaths resulting from this illness. The average age of detection for this type of cancer is in the early 60’s and it seems to affect women more often than men. Of the 5,070 cases, it is estimated that 3,050 of these cases will occur in women. Doctors suggest that you should begin getting tested for this disease beginning at age 50. If you have any history of related illnesses or if a family member has had colorectal cancer type symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if they feel you should begin testing at an earlier age.

On Friday, May 15th, a two-hour NBC documentary will air entitled Farrah’s Story. It is narrated by Fawcett and she will be sharing with the world a very detailed and personal look at her journey battling through this disease. Please check your local listing to confirm the time in your area .