Christina Applegate Cancer Diagnosis

Early Detection

After a routine checkup, Applegate's doctor ordered a routine MRI. The test detected a mass in her breast that turned out to be malignant. A spokesperson for the Samantha Who? star stated that Applegate is "..following the recommended treatment" and that it is "…not life threatening," stressing that early detection of the mass is the key to her expected full recovery.

Family History

Applegate's mother, Nancy Priddy, began her battle with the disease when Christina was just seven years old, making a full recovery after undergoing a partial mastectomy. Her mother's battle with the illness is sure to be a contributing factor to Applegate's activism in breast cancer awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Activism

In the past, the actress has help to raise millions of dollars by acting as the Lee National Denim Day spokesperson and presently, she has a planned appearance with other stars on the Stand Up to Cancer telethon. The telethon is set to air September 5, 2008 on NBC and CBS.

Bittersweet Year for Applegate

The past year has had its share of good and bad for Christina Applegate. Earlier this year, her ex-boyfriend, Lee Grivas, died from an apparent drug overdose, but she also received an Emmy nomination for her work in her hit sitcom Samantha Who?

Her current round of bad news does have a positive side in the fact that it is non-life threatening because the cancer was detected very early and she is expected to make a full and complete recovery.