Kathy Bates recently opened up about her personal choice not to have reconstruction surgery following her breast cancer diagnosis 12 years ago. In an appearance on the MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler podcast, which aired on Tuesday, November 12, Bates, 76, reflected on her experience with a double mastectomy in 2012. “I enjoyed not having breasts,” Bates shared, discussing her decision to forgo reconstruction. “I decided not to have reconstruction ’cause at the age I was, I thought, you know, I really don’t wanna go through that. I just didn’t wanna go through it.”

Bates, a celebrated actress known for roles in Misery, American Horror Story, and Titanic, has faced multiple battles with cancer. Before her breast cancer diagnosis, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and successfully treated it. Bates has been open about her health struggles, using her platform to advocate for greater cancer awareness and support. Her decision not to undergo reconstruction was met with concern from some friends, but for Bates, it was a deeply personal choice about how she wanted to navigate her recovery.

As a three-time Emmy winner and an Oscar winner, Bates has shown resilience both on-screen and off. Her candid reflections on health and aging offer a refreshing perspective on self-acceptance and embracing personal choice, especially after the challenges she has faced. Bates’ honesty about her journey continues to resonate with fans who admire her not only for her acting talents but also for her strength and authenticity in the face of adversity.