Shirley Temple’s cancer diagnosis took the world by storm back in the ’70s.
American comedian and actor Pete Davidson has beenstruggling with Crohn’s diseasefor years.
But things were different in 1973 when Temple got diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her public disclosure might have saved millions of lives.
That’s why health experts recommend checking your breasts regularly and taking the steps needed to lower your risk.
Sadly, most women were not aware of these things in the ’70s.

The former child actor shared her experience and encouraged women to take charge of their health.
“The doctor can make the incision; I’ll make the decision,” said Temple.
The actor retired from film in 1950 and focused on her diplomatic career over the next decades.
Three years later, Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer afterdiscovering a lump.
Doctors decided to remove the tumor through a simple mastectomy, according toThe New York Times.
You don’t let vanity get in your way.
It’s not so bad," she said to the press, per the newspaper.
Shirley Temple’s cancer diagnosis has generated increased public awareness of the disease.
Temple survivedbreast cancerafter having her entire breast removed.