I completely agree...I have had the occassion to speak with young women (still in their 20's) at my local hospital who have cancer and had one or both breasts removed...Needless to say, it is a trumatic event and when a well-known person volunteers a major procedure to (hopefully) head off problems it can offer courage to others, including partners of patients who have to be equally strong - the event does test committment.
"...the empty desks of 20 children marked absent today, and forever"
-Poet Richard Blanco at President Obama's Inauguration, 01/21/13