Inspirational quotes from breast cancer survivors

October is just around the corner and as it is breast cancer awareness month, we wanted to highlight the amazing resolve and spirit seen in survivors. From our own editor Lindsay Nicholson, to cover star Kylie Minogue, here are some of their most inspirational quotes.

By Francesca MenatoPublished: 26 September 2014

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Kylie Minogue

GH cover star Kylie Minogue is adamant that despite everything she went through, she never changed her true self.

'Having had cancer, one important thing to know is you're still the same person at the end. You're stripped down to near zero.

'But most people come out the other end feeling more like themselves than ever before.'

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Lindsay Nicholson

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GH editor Lindsay Nicholson sees a bright future for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

'A generation ago breast cancer was a dreaded disease spoken about in hushed tones by our mothers.

'The survival rate was only 50% and mastectomy was inevitable. The story couldn't be more different today. Survival rates are soaring and treatment by lumpectomy or with reconstruction means avoiding disfigurement.

'I believe that breast cancer will soon become something we live with rather than die from…'

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Olivia Newton-John

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Olivia Newton-John used her experience to change her outlook on life and how she spent her time.

'I feel so fortunate and grateful to be a survivor of breast cancer. I see it as a gift.

'Life is amazing; everything I do is around health and healing.'

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Christina Applegate

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When struggling with the disease, Christina Applegate had to remind herself that she was more than just her diagnosis.

'I've had to talk about that word [cancer] more than I've ever had to talk about a word in my life...

'After a while you're like, "There's got to be something else to me."'

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Judy Blume

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Different emotional reactions to the various challenges faced are totally normal. Author Judy Blume didn't think twice about her mastectomy.

'I'd become quite fond of [my breasts].

'Still, the idea of mastectomy wasn't a difficult emotional decision for me (again, these are very personal reactions and decisions).

'Maybe because my breasts have never defined my sexuality.'

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Dame Maggie Smith

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Dame Maggie Smith wasn't one to sugar coat the pain, and opted for a tough love approach.

Around the time she was going into remission she said this: 'Cancer takes the wind out of your sails but I'm beginning to feel like a person now.

'My energy is coming back. S**t happens. I ought to pull myself together a bit.'

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