Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Country Artists Impacted by Breast Cancer October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and remember the loved ones we’ve lost. In 2006, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent minimally invasive surgery followed by radiation. Martina McBride’s Advocacy While Martina McBride has not personally battled breast cancer, she has long been an outspoken advocate for awareness. Skeeter Davis Country legend Skeeter Davis (born Mary Frances Penick) was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and underwent a mastectomy. Melissa Etheridge In October 2004, Melissa Etheridge revealed her breast cancer diagnosis.