TINA Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Knowles, 71, opened up about her stage one breast cancer diagnosis during an interview for her new book.
The mother told CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King that doctors discovered two tumors in her left breast.
"I've always tried to take care of myself. I just … was in disbelief," she said.
The discovery comes after Knowles delayed her mammogram appointment.
"It's important not to slack on your mammograms," Knowles told People.
She said she her initial appointment was delayed due to COVID and she forgot to reschedule it.
The mother and author found out about her life-changing diagnosis last July as she was finishing her book Matriarch.
"I struggled with whether I would share that journey [in the book] because I'm very private. But I decided to share it because I think it's a lot of lessons in it for other women," she said.
"And I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test.
"Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me."
Knowles said Beyoncé "took it well" and remained optimistic when she first found out the news.
The author said Solange told her, "Mom, we are going to take care of this."
Knowles told the outlet that her family doesn't have a history of breast cancer and no one on her side has the BRCA gene, which is linked to cancer.
Last year, Knowles had surgery to remove the tumor and underwent a breast reduction.
"I'm doing great," she said.
"Cancer-free and incredibly blessed that God allowed me to find it early."
After the stressful experience, Knowles is urging women to get checked early so they can catch any possible tumors before they progress.
When to get a mammogram
According to the American Cancer Society:
- Women between 40 and 44 can start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.
"I didn't know that there was a stage 0. I could have caught this at stage 0 if I had not missed my mammogram," she said.
The grandmother said she want to "give people hope."
"What scares me now is not making the best of every day that I have left in this life."
The American Cancer Society says women ages 45 to 55 should get a mammogram every year.
Those over 55 can change to getting an exam done every other year.
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