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The actress reveals that she suffers from the same cancer as her husband

The actress reveals that she suffers from the same cancer as her husband

Blythe Danner said she feels lucky to be alive after battling oral cancer for several years. The same disease also killed her husband, director Bruce Paltrow, about 20 years ago.

The Emmy-winning actress, 79 - whose daughter is Gwyneth Paltrow - told People that she was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease, adenoid cystic carcinoma, which often forms in the salivary glands.

About 54 thousand people are diagnosed with this disease every year.

"Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, but it is unusual for a couple to have the same cancer. I remember looking up at the sky and saying to Bruce: Are you lonely up there? I kept it hidden from my children for a long time. I wanted to move forward as a mother and I didn't want them to worry," she said.

Since the death of her husband, the actress has been involved in charitable organizations for awareness.