Olivia Newton-John bravely battled cancer for 30 years before her death aged 73
Olivia Newton-John had three brave battles with cancer since 1992 and has often spoke about how she has got through the hardest parts of the illness
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Olivia Newton-John delivers tear-jerking message as she battles stage-four cancer in 2020
Olivia Newton-John bravely battled cancer over a 30 year period, during which she was diagnosed with the deadly disease three times.
Since 1992 the Grease star has been fighting breast cancer and went on to become one of the biggest vocal champions for raising awareness before finally succumbing to the illness, aged 73.
The singer was first hit by the ‘Big C’ when she was planning one of her singing comebacks in 1992.
With a greatest hits collection out, Olivia was hoping go on her first tour for 10 years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time.
If that was not traumatic enough, she also received the news that her father had died the same weekend.
Olivia Newton-John has lost her 30-year battle with cancer
All publicity for the album and the tour were subsequently cancelled but fortunately, Olivia was able to overcome cancer and from then she became an advocate for breast cancer research.
In May 2017, Olivia had the devastating news that her breast cancer had returned and this time it was metastasized to her lower back.
Originally at the time, she was misdiagnosed with having sciatica and Olivia also revealed that she had battled the disease in secret during 2013 as well – winning on that occasion again.
Olivia Newton-John and husband John Easterling
Image:
( Getty Images)
When she was diagnosed in 2017 it was a different story this time as she was told that the cancer had spread to her bones and had progressed to Stage 4.
In the past couple of years of her life, Olivia has been an advocate for medicinal cannabis to be available and legal in Australia.
She wanted it to be made legal so those in pain can use it as an alternative treatment, and said the benefits of the drug can provide relief for anyone suffering with chronic pain.
John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John in 2011
Image:
( WireImage)
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in 1978 film, Grease
Image:
( Getty Images)
Speaking to Who magazine, Olivia said: “Medicinal cannabis is something that should be available to everyone who is going through a chronic illness or pain.”
Olivia’s husband John Easterling grows medicinal cannabis on their ranch in the US for the Grease star to use to “help with her symptoms”, and wants it to be available for others to use legally.
Despite the dire diagnosis, Olivia shared how she has tried to cope. She said: “Positive thinking is so important to living a healthy and happy life.”
Olivia Newton-John has been an advocate for medicinal cannabis
Image:
( NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
The singer also added: “I have seen the incredible beauty of the plants and their healing abilities… if I hadn’t had that experience, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you about kinder therapies… your body wants to heal itself.”
She started her Olivia Newton-John Foundation to help fellow cancer sufferers, as well as the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, which gives treatments to patients.
The foundation also has “over 200 clinical trials in progress” and also offers wellness and support programmes.
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