Actress Suzanne Somers has voiced her support for Christina Applegate as she battles with breast cancer - by writing an open letter written to the star.

Applegate, 36, announced the news of her illness last Saturday (02Aug08), with her spokesperson adding that she is expected to make a full recovery once she completes her treatment.

In a letter provided to People.com, Somers - a breast cancer survivor -writes: "Cancer is scary, and lonely. You can't ask anyone to make decisions for you because it's just too heavy. There is a lot of 'rush to treatment,' when what you really need is time to research and think about how you want to approach this. Take your time Christina, there is no rush. Take your time and think it through."

"You will make it. The success and drive you have had in your career will be the same strengths you will use to win over this nasty disease. And I am here if you want to talk to someone who was 'there.'"

Somers was treated with conventional surgery and radiation therapy during her own battle with breast cancer. She has also championed hormone replacement therapy since her diagnosis in 2001. (JMA/WNWCPL/LR)

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