Kathy Bates has double mastectomy following breast cancer diagnosis

Kathy Bates speaks onstage during the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at on Jan. 29, 2012, in Los Angeles.

/ Getty

(CBS News) Kathy Bates has revealed she has been battling breast cancer.

The 64-year-old actress was diagnosed several weeks ago and recently had surgery, she told People.

Pictures: Kathy Bates

"After much consideration, I underwent a double mastectomy," Bates revealed to the site in an exclusive announcement. "Luckily, I don't have to undergo radiation or chemo. My family call me Kat because I always land on my feet and thankfully this is no exception."

Bates appears to be keeping a positive attitude.

"My doctors have assured me I'm going to be around for a long time," she said. "I'm looking forward to getting back to work doing what I love to do."

And with that, the Academy Award-winning actress has no plans to slow down. She expects to attend the 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 23, where she's nominated for two honors - outstanding lead actress in a drama series for NBC's "Harry's Law" and outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for CBS' "Two and a Half Men."

Bates, who won a best actress Oscar for 1990's "Misery," is also attached to the upcoming film, "Starbright," starring James Earl Jones.

This isn't Bates' first battle with cancer. In 2003, she quietly underwent surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer,

Several stars are breast cancer survivors, including Christina Applegate, Cynthia Nixon, Sheryl Crow, Edie Falco, Melisssa Etheridge and Kylie Minogue.

[sisters4prevention]

I am a great fan of Cathy Bates. My favorite movie is the Blindside. Love to hear how people rise above their problems. She seems like a great lady.

Wouldn't it be great if she had not had to endure this recent battle with cancer. Hopefully, soon, very soon no one will have to face breast cancer.

Please sign our petition to get the first Preventive Breast Cancer Vaccine Funded:

go to:
www.sisters4prevention.com