Olivia Newton-John's 30-Year Cancer Journey: Inside Her Work to Champion Cancer Research and Wellness

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty ImagesOlivia Newton-John was an outspoken advocate for breast cancer research and both traditional and holistic treatments beforeher death at age 73.TheGreasestar was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy, nine months of chemotherapy and a breast reconstruction. She later privately overcame the disease again in 2013.In the years following her 1992 diagnosis, Newton-John became an advocate for early detection and research and eventually raised funds to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.The “comprehensive cancer center” treats cancer and also conducts research and clinical trials. “A public hospital with a difference . . . we are put our patients at the heart of everything we do,” saysthe center’s web site. “This includes focusing on their minds and spirits and not just on their bodies.“For more on Olivia Newton-John, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.In May 2017, Newton-John was told cancer had metastasized and spread to her bones. At the time, her team said the star would be completing photon radiation therapy.RELATED VIDEO: Olivia Newton-John Dead at 73: The Star and ‘Grease’ Icon Dies of Breast CancerIn addition to conventional medical treatments, the pop icon turned to “plant medicine” during her breast cancer journey.“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband, John Easterling, said in a statement on Monday. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.“In 2017, the pop icon toldTodayin 2017 that she used medical marijuana to treat her pain.“People have this vision from the ’60s of people just sitting around and getting stoned,” she said. “It’s not about that. This plant is a healing plant. I think we need to change the vision of what it is because it helped me greatly and it helps with pain and inflammation.“She also relied on spiritual meditation. “In my meditations, I visualize it leaving and see the herbs and the medicines that I’m taking making it go,” Newton-John told60 Minutes Australiain 2019.

Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Olivia Newton-John was an outspoken advocate for breast cancer research and both traditional and holistic treatments beforeher death at age 73.TheGreasestar was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy, nine months of chemotherapy and a breast reconstruction. She later privately overcame the disease again in 2013.In the years following her 1992 diagnosis, Newton-John became an advocate for early detection and research and eventually raised funds to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.The “comprehensive cancer center” treats cancer and also conducts research and clinical trials. “A public hospital with a difference . . . we are put our patients at the heart of everything we do,” saysthe center’s web site. “This includes focusing on their minds and spirits and not just on their bodies.“For more on Olivia Newton-John, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.In May 2017, Newton-John was told cancer had metastasized and spread to her bones. At the time, her team said the star would be completing photon radiation therapy.RELATED VIDEO: Olivia Newton-John Dead at 73: The Star and ‘Grease’ Icon Dies of Breast CancerIn addition to conventional medical treatments, the pop icon turned to “plant medicine” during her breast cancer journey.“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband, John Easterling, said in a statement on Monday. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.“In 2017, the pop icon toldTodayin 2017 that she used medical marijuana to treat her pain.“People have this vision from the ’60s of people just sitting around and getting stoned,” she said. “It’s not about that. This plant is a healing plant. I think we need to change the vision of what it is because it helped me greatly and it helps with pain and inflammation.“She also relied on spiritual meditation. “In my meditations, I visualize it leaving and see the herbs and the medicines that I’m taking making it go,” Newton-John told60 Minutes Australiain 2019.

Olivia Newton-John was an outspoken advocate for breast cancer research and both traditional and holistic treatments beforeher death at age 73.

TheGreasestar was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy, nine months of chemotherapy and a breast reconstruction. She later privately overcame the disease again in 2013.

In the years following her 1992 diagnosis, Newton-John became an advocate for early detection and research and eventually raised funds to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

The “comprehensive cancer center” treats cancer and also conducts research and clinical trials. “A public hospital with a difference . . . we are put our patients at the heart of everything we do,” saysthe center’s web site. “This includes focusing on their minds and spirits and not just on their bodies.”

For more on Olivia Newton-John, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

In May 2017, Newton-John was told cancer had metastasized and spread to her bones. At the time, her team said the star would be completing photon radiation therapy.

RELATED VIDEO: Olivia Newton-John Dead at 73: The Star and ‘Grease’ Icon Dies of Breast Cancer

In addition to conventional medical treatments, the pop icon turned to “plant medicine” during her breast cancer journey.

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband, John Easterling, said in a statement on Monday. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”

In 2017, the pop icon toldTodayin 2017 that she used medical marijuana to treat her pain.

“People have this vision from the ’60s of people just sitting around and getting stoned,” she said. “It’s not about that. This plant is a healing plant. I think we need to change the vision of what it is because it helped me greatly and it helps with pain and inflammation.”

She also relied on spiritual meditation. “In my meditations, I visualize it leaving and see the herbs and the medicines that I’m taking making it go,” Newton-John told60 Minutes Australiain 2019.

source: people.com