Mediaplanet You were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, did you feel there were enough resources available for you to understand what you were going through, and what your next steps could be?

Olivia Newton-John At the time it wasn’t really as public as it is today. People still referred to it as “the Big C” and usually whispered the word “cancer” when they said it. I was fortunate that I had wonderful access to other women who had been through breast cancer treatment - thanks to my oncologist - and, I did everything I could to combine both Eastern and Western therapies - but, I did have to search out the adjunctive therapies- meditation, reiki, massage, yoga, homeopathy, herbs etc. on my own. That was why it was so important for me to have these programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

MP Following your partial mastectomy you decided to undergo breast reconstruction. How did breast reconstruction help you with the emotional healing process and help improve your self-esteem?

 "I was fortunate that I had wonderful access to other women who had been through breast cancer treatment."

ONJ  I had reconstruction at the same time that they did the partial mastectomy. My experience was different than those who go through it at a later date, which was fortunate for me. I think as breast cancer treatment is such a stressful thing to go through anyway, that this was one less thing to worry about. And my self-esteem wasn’t in question - I could focus on healing.

MP What inspired you to launch the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre and what does the centre aim to accomplish?

ONJ Having had the luxury of access to adjunctive therapies during my own cancer journey it was important for me to have a Wellness Centre on the hospital grounds so that everyone at the hospital could have access to the wellness programs.

That became my passion. I am thrilled that in addition to some of the greatest treatments in the Cancer Centre, the Wellness Centre provides music and art therapies, acupuncture, oncological massage and so many other wonderful programs to help heal the whole person - body, mind and spirit. I’m also very proud to announce that we also have the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in the same building as well - so that researchers, doctors and patients are all together under one roof!

MP What do you think is the biggest obstacle we need to overcome when it comes to breast cancer awareness?

ONJ  I think the biggest obstacle is not doing regular monthly self-examinations and not trusting your instincts. Listen to your body. Women are afraid sometimes as they “don’t want to know” but, early detection is key to getting through breast cancer. I found my lump through a self-exam and despite a negative mammogram and needle biopsy, I still felt there was something wrong. It wasn’t until I had a surgical biopsy that we found the cancer.  I don’t say this to scare women but, to encourage them to know their own bodies.

MP What inspired you to launch the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre and what does the centre aim to accomplish?

"I think the biggest obstacle is not doing regular monthly self-examinations and not trusting your instincts. Listen to your body. Women are afraid sometimes as they “don’t want to know” but, early detection is key to getting through breast cancer."

ONJ  The Austin approached me about lending my name to a new comprehensive cancer center. I went to see the old cancer wards and they were in really bad shape. I had to help!  It was a huge undertaking and I was unsure, so I asked my mother what she thought. She said to me (in her German accent) “darling, if this will help people you should do it.”  That was it!

Having had the luxury of access to adjunctive therapies during my own cancer journey it was important for me to have a Wellness Centre on the hospital grounds so that everyone at the hospital could have access to the wellness programs.

That became my passion. I am thrilled that in addition to some of the greatest treatments in the Cancer Centre, the Wellness Centre provides music and art therapies, acupuncture, oncological massage and so many other wonderful programs to help heal the whole person - body, mind and spirit.

I’m also very proud to announce that we also have the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in the same building as well - so that researchers, doctors and patients are all together under one roof!

MP How have you seen the global perspective on breast cancer change over the last twenty years?

"Awareness is key, and knowing that you are not alone, has really been a huge and positive change for women over the last 20 years."

ONJ  I think it’s wonderful that there is so much awareness today. As I mentioned, when I was diagnosed it was such a taboo word. Today there are so many different organizations, corporations and individuals bringing awareness to breast cancer. If you had told me back in 1992 that I would be talking about breasts so much today I would have thought you were crazy! Seriously, awareness is key, and knowing that you are not alone, has really been a huge and positive change for women over the last 20 years. 

MP What’s next for Olivia Newton John?

ONJ  I’m really excited. In addition to the ONJCWC, I am performing in Vegas at the Flamingo through January 2016.  What’s even more exciting about that is that a portion of every ticket sold to my Vegas show benefits my Centre in Australia. In keeping with wellness, I am also co-owner of Gaia Retreat and Spa in Australia and we just won the “Best Day Spa in the World” - that makes me very proud.

And, what I am really excited about is that a duet with my daughter, “You Have to Believe,” a remake of my hit “Magic” from “Xanadu” is currently #6 on the Billboard Dance chart. I think I am more excited for my daughter because it’s her first Billboard chart hit!