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- Tina Knowles, known for being the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, disclosed her stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis after postponing her mammogram for four years.
- She urges women to maintain regular screenings to ensure early detection of the disease.
- Medical professionals emphasize that early detection typically leads to less intense treatment and higher success rates.
The significance of consistent breast cancer screenings cannot be emphasized enough.
Tina Knowles, the mother of the prominent pop and R&B artists Beyoncé and Solange, recently shared that she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer in 2024 after neglecting her routine mammogram appointment.
At 71, Knowles admitted that she postponed her screening during the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to reschedule it for four years following that.
The mammogram revealed that, in addition to a benign tumor in her right breast, there was also a malignant tumor present in her left breast.
After undergoing surgery to remove the tumors, Knowles is now cancer-free. Interestingly, her ex-husband, Matthew Knowles, is also a breast cancer survivor.
“As women, we often get caught up in our busy lives, but it’s crucial to go for your tests,” Knowles shared with People magazine. “If I hadn’t gotten my test done when I did, I can’t imagine what might have happened.”
In her memoir, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” Knowles discusses how a hospital surgeon and an oncologist made her feel belittled regarding her diagnosis. Subsequently, she sought the assistance of a private surgeon who facilitated consultations with additional medical professionals.
“Many individuals, particularly within the Black community, feel obligated to accept the care they are assigned, even when they are not treated with respect. You deserve to seek second opinions, and your perspective should guide your healthcare decisions,” Knowles told The Today Show.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
Women aged 45 to 54 should undergo yearly mammograms, while those 55 and older can opt for screenings every other year.
Screenings should continue for all women in good health who are expected to live at least another decade.
A mammogram is an X-ray that detects cancerous changes in breast tissue and other abnormalities. A 3D mammogram is a state-of-the-art screening method that employs multiple X-rays from various angles.
“Mammograms are recognized as the most effective and widely recommended screening tool for breast cancer. Women at higher risk may need additional MRI screenings alongside mammograms,” stated Dr. Tatiana Kelil, interim chief of the Breast Imaging Division at the University of California, San Francisco.
Experts reiterate the necessity of regular screenings, noting that mammograms can miss
“Annual mammograms are crucial due to the rapid growth rate of breast cancers in their early stages,” explained Dr. Christina Annunziata, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society.
“Individuals at high risk (due to hereditary factors or a strong family history) or those with concerning findings from prior studies may require more frequent tests,” she added. “Interval breast cancers, which emerge between imaging sessions, are often more aggressive and can spread rapidly, underscoring the importance of not skipping mammograms.”
“Screening is vital for identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages,” asserted Dr. Mediget Teshome, chief of breast surgery at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
It is projected that over 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2025, with approximately 42,000 expected to succumb to the disease this year.
Breast cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in the U.S., surpassed only by lung cancer.
On average, a woman in the U.S. has a 13% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, with the incidence rate increasing by roughly 1% annually in recent years.
- A lump in the breast
- A lump in the underarm area
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Alterations in the nipple
Treatment for breast cancer varies based on the stage at diagnosis and the aggressiveness of the disease. Potential approaches may include:
“Annual screening mammography, regardless of age, has been firmly established as a way to significantly reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer,” emphasized Dr. Richard Reitherman, a radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at MemorialCare Breast Center in California.
“Women who participate in annual screening mammograms greatly lower their risk of dying from breast cancer, leading to less intense treatment and fewer long-term side effects,” he noted.
However, breast cancer can manifest more aggressively and be more challenging to treat in women under 40.
The ACS
“Regular breast cancer screenings are essential for younger women, as breast cancer can develop at any age, and early detection is life-saving,” Dr. Kelil added.
Timely cancer screening is vital for identifying the disease early when treatment is most effective. Dr. Janie Grumley, a breast surgical oncologist and director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center, notes that younger women may have denser breast tissue, complicating mammogram interpretations. This often necessitates further imaging, despite younger patients being less likely to have cancer. It’s critical to investigate any suspicious findings to determine their nature.
In the United States, Black women experience higher breast cancer mortality rates compared to women of other ethnicities. Research indicates that factors such as stress from racism may contribute to the aggressiveness of tumors in this demographic. Awareness of these disparities is crucial for both the public and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Teshome emphasizes the importance of ensuring all women have access to breast cancer screening and treatment. The unacceptable disparities in outcomes and mortality rates based on race and social factors highlight the need for timely interventions to enhance health outcomes for all individuals battling breast cancer.
Breast cancer impacts women from all walks of life, but unequal access can lead to later diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and higher mortality, particularly in underprivileged communities. Addressing these disparities is essential to improve results for all women facing breast cancer.
