57-year-old Marcia Crosswho played bree van de Kamp in the widely acclaimed series «Desperate Housewives», aired on «CBS This Morning» to continue to destroy the well-known stereotypes about cancer of the anal canal.
Marcia Cross in 2014
In 2009, actress spouse Tom Mahoney was diagnosed with throat cancer. The doctors told Cross that the same type of human papillomavirus (HPV), which led to the illness of her husband, may cause cancer of the anal canal.
According to the Centers for control and prevention of diseases, HPV, human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and affects about 79 million Americans. In addition to cancer of the throat and anus, it can affect the cervix and the genitals.
HPV can be transmitted through intercourse or skin contact. And the easiest way to prevent its spread is vaccination.
Cross talks about his struggle with cancer to help others not be ashamed of this disease. The actress admitted that she coped with her illness thanks to a group of friends who she called the «Anal angels».
She added: «I continued to say that if it doesn’t kill me, it’s the best thing that could ever happen to me, because of the possibility to experience this great love. It has changed my consciousness.»
According to Cross, she plans to vaccinate her 12-year-old daughters-twins.
«My girls don’t know this, but they are ready for their first vaccine at the end of the school year,» said the actress.
Cross has completed radiation and chemotherapy. She and her husband are in remission.
