She’s best known for her role in the movie Grease.

But Olivia Newton-John does more than just sing and act.

She is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

“The earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat,” said Newton-John.  “It’s like leak in the roof. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. If you find something wrong, you can go to your doctor to have further tests done.”

Newton-John, a breast cancer survivor, is an advocate for creating awareness for early detection.

The award winning singer and actress has teamed up with Manatee Memorial Hospital to help encourage women to take a more active role in their breast health.

On Monday night, Newton-John was the special guest at the sold out annual women’s event held at the Renaissance on 9th in Bradenton.

The event which benefited the Manatee Memorial Foundation, Inc., served as the kick-off for a new women’s health initiative program offered by the hospital called WE - Women Enlightened for Better Health.

“Women Enlightened is a new program at Manatee Memorial Hospital which is available to all women,” said Vernon DeSear, Vice President of Marketing for Manatee Memorial Hospital.  “It focuses on breast cancer awareness and people should be attuned to the problem.  Breast cancer is a serious problem in this country.”

The event not only featured Newton-John, but also provided education and health screenings to all those who attended.

“I’m into health and taking care of myself,” said Maria Tarasi, who attended the conference.  “It’s nice to see all of the different things going on and testing for health.”

Newton-John, a champion for health and wellness awareness, also provided the guests with a complimentary LIV® breast self-exam aid.

The LIV is designed to help women feel their breast tissue better when doing their own exams.

“I found my own breast cancer through my own hands,” said Newton-John.  “Who knows your body better than you.  So, I’m encouraging women to do regular self-breast exams.”

It was a powerful message Manatee county residents said they were happy to hear, especially in person.

“I was surprised,” said Wendy Matias, who attended the conference.  “To me she is such a big star.”