Christina Applegate Opens Up About Struggle with Body Image Post-Cancer: The Truth Behind Her Regrets

Christina Applegate Says She Lied About Liking Her Boobs After Battling Breast Cancer It s Horrible 427

Christina Applegate. John Shearer/Getty Images for ABA

Christina Applegate has been open about her health challenges in the past, but it wasn't always easy for her to talk about it.

During an episode of Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast on Monday, March 25, Applegate shared a candid moment from 2008. At 36 years old, she bravely faced breast cancer and even joked about her "scarred and messed up" new breasts. Looking back, she now questions what she was thinking at the time.

Applegate shared that she was cancer-free after having a double mastectomy in an interview on Good Morning America in August 2008. She revealed on a podcast that during her first interview with Robin Roberts while battling cancer, she was not truthful about how she felt. She admitted to lying and trying to convince herself of something that was not true. This made her feel upset and she expressed dissatisfaction with her breasts.

Despite the challenges, the actress remained positive during her interview on GMA where she talked about her double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. She even joked about having the "best boobs in the nursing home" in a light-hearted manner.

Almost 16 years later, Applegate still feels unhappy with how her breasts look after cancer. She mentioned on Shepard's podcast that she does not have nipples and finds it strange. She expressed, "It's horrible. I can wear a tank top and no headlights."

In 2017, in addition to her double mastectomy, Applegate decided to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure. She shared with Today.com that she lost a cousin to ovarian cancer in 2008 and wanted to take control by preventing the same fate.

Christina Applegate Says She Lied About Liking Her Boobs After Battling Breast Cancer It s Horrible 426

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Applegate has been battling multiple sclerosis since 2021, although she has not been re-diagnosed with cancer. In August 2021, she shared with fans via X how supported she has been by people who also have this condition. Despite the tough road, she remains optimistic, stating, "But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a—hole blocks it."

During a podcast on Monday, Applegate discussed how humor has been a vital tool in coping with her health challenges. She explained, "I make these jokes because if I don’t, I’ll suffocate. I’ll be done." With honesty, she expressed her readiness for healing and refusal to accept her current situation as the new normal, saying, "But when someone says have you accepted this as your new normal? No, f—k you, absolutely not."

During a rare public appearance at the 2023 Emmys in January, she made jokes about herself. When she walked out on stage with host Anthony Anderson to present Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, the audience gave her a standing ovation. She humorously commented, "You’re totally shaming me, with [a] disability, by standing up. It’s fine."

Her ex-husband, Johnathon Schaech, praised her strength after her Emmys appearance. He shared on X, "She danced opening night on broadway on a broken foot! Beat cancer! She’s the toughest human being I’ve ever met! F—k MS! So proud of her! Go Christina!"

During a recent interview on GMA with fellow breast cancer survivor Roberts, Applegate shared that she had a moment of "blacking out" while on stage at the Emmys. Despite not remembering what she said, she felt overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience. It was a truly special and heartwarming experience for her.

Editor's P/S:

Christina Applegate's candid reflections on her cancer journey reveal the complexities and emotional rollercoaster she has navigated. Her initial attempt to present a facade of positivity during her first cancer interview was a coping mechanism, but it later left her feeling inauthentic and dissatisfied with her body. Despite her double mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgery, she continues to struggle with the physical and emotional aftermath of her experience.

Applegate's resilience shines through in her use of humor as a coping mechanism. Her witty remarks and refusal to accept her current situation as the "new normal" demonstrate her determination to maintain a positive outlook despite her health challenges. The standing ovation she received at the 2023 Emmys, as well as the support from her ex-husband, serve as a testament to her indomitable spirit. Her journey is a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, the power of humor in adversity, and the value of support from loved ones during difficult times. can find strength and support from others who have faced similar experiences.