Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004 at age 43. She underwent chemotherapy and a lumpectomy and is on the road to recovery. She's released a greatest hits album and is talking about her struggle with breast cancer.
Melissa Etheridge on the Grammys

Melissa Etheridge is one of the most recognizable and popular performers in the world. When Melissa Etheridge came out at the Grammy Awards with her beautiful bald head, she won so many more fans and admirers.

Melissa rocked out to Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and showed the world that being bald from chemotherapy was nothing to be ashamed of.

Melissa said in Organic Style magazine, "People said I was courageous because I went on the Grammy's with no hair. For me, it was just the best decision...I didn't see it as an act of courage. I was just living my truth. People said I was courageous for saying I'm gay. I guess being truthful today passes as courageous."

At a recent concert she said, she is now known “as that gay singer with cancer." "It's perfectly all right," she said. "I've always been open about my personal life. I sleep better at night."

Melissa Etheridge Makes Changes in her Life

Since the cancer diagnosis Melissa Etheridge has made some major changes in her life. She was quoted in Organic Style as saying, “When I was told I had breast cancer last October at 43, I began to change from the very second I got the diagnosis. I started listening to my body, and I became more aware of everything.

With cancer, you start looking at your whole life and cutting the dark things out of it. I often say that cancer is a gift in that way. My family is the number-one priority. They are absolutely more important to me than anything else.”

Melissa and her family moved to a new home in the San Fernando Valley area of California. “Now we live on a hilltop with an amazing breeze—it’s very clean!” Melissa Etheridge said.

Melissa also reports that she loves yoga now and does it every day. And she watches what she eats, but she doesn’t use food to reward or deny herself anymore.

Melissa has two new songs on her greatest hits album. She will donate all proceeds from “I Run for Life” to breast cancer charities.