Linda Evangelista reveals her battle with breast cancer and mastectomy

Supermodel Linda Evangelista, known around the world for her iconic 1990s modeling career, is opening up publicly for the first time about her private health struggles in an emotional interview. In a revealing conversation with WSJ Magazine, the 58-year-old shared her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2018 and subsequent bilateral mastectomy surgery.

“The margins were not good, and due to other health factors, without hesitation, because I wanted to put everything behind me and not to have to deal with this, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy,” Evangelista told the magazine. “Breast cancer was not going to kill me.” She went on to explain that she was told at the time her prognosis looked positive.

However, in July 2022 Evangelista found another lump in her chest and requested additional testing via MRI. The scan discovered cancer had spread to her pectoral muscle. According to Evangelista, she told her surgeon “Dig a hole in my chest. I don’t want it to look pretty. I want you to excavate. I want to see a hole in my chest when you’re done. Do you understand me? I’m not dying from this.”

The supermodel underwent further surgery but says she has since been told her prognosis is now only “good, but not ‘great'” as she had hoped. Evangelista revealed she has a “horrible oncotype score,” meaning her risk of the cancer recurring is higher. However, she stated that she is currently cancer-free.

“I know I have one foot in the grave, but I’m totally in celebration mode,” said Evangelista of her current health situation. Oncologist Dr. Sharon Malone of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation praised Evangelista for coming forward, stating “Studies have shown that when celebrities share their cancer experiences, it encourages others to get screened. This could help save countless lives.”

Evangelista’s revelation has brought a wave of support from her supermodel peers. Naomi Campbell tweeted “Linda – your strength is inspiring. You have always been a Trailblazer now your courage will inspire many others to face their challenges.” Fellow 90s icon Cindy Crawford shared an Instagram post saying “Linda, thank you for your bravery and grace in sharing your story.”

It’s clear Evangelista’s decision to go public about her private health battle is already providing comfort and encouragement to many going through similar experiences. Her iconic supermodel status gives her story international reach to help reduce stigma around the topic. In speaking out, Evangelista is highlighting the ongoing fight against cancer and importance of early detection.