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- Tina Knowles, known as the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, has disclosed her stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis, which followed a four-year delay in her mammogram.
- She is urging women to prioritize regular screenings to catch the disease in its early, more treatable stages.
- Experts indicate that early detection typically leads to less aggressive treatment and better recovery outcomes.
The significance of regular breast cancer screenings cannot be overstated.
Tina Knowles, 71, the matriarch of pop and R&B icons Beyoncé and Solange, has recently revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer in 2024, following a lengthy hiatus from her regular mammogram.
Knowles admitted that she postponed her screening during the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to reschedule it for an additional four years.
The mammogram ultimately showed a benign tumor in her right breast and a malignant one in her left breast.
Following her diagnosis, Knowles underwent surgery to remove the tumors and 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 prioritize these tests,” Knowles shared with People magazine. “If I hadn’t taken the initiative to get tested early, the outcome could have been drastically different.”
In her memoir, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” Knowles recounts feeling belittled by a hospital surgeon and an oncologist regarding her diagnosis. She later sought a second opinion from a private surgeon who connected her with other specialists.
“Many individuals, particularly in the Black community, feel obligated to stick with the assigned doctor even in cases of poor treatment. Seeking a second opinion is essential; your health decisions are ultimately yours,” Knowles stated during her appearance on The Today show.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
The guidelines further suggest that women aged 45 to 54 should receive annual screenings, while those aged 55 and above can opt for screenings every other year.
According to the ACS, women should continue screenings as long as they are in good health and expected to live at least another decade.
A mammogram is an X-ray examination that inspects breast tissue for cancer and other abnormalities. The more advanced 3D mammogram employs multiple X-ray images taken from various angles.
“Mammograms remain the most effective and widely recommended screening method for breast cancer. For those with heightened risk, an MRI may be necessary in conjunction with mammograms,” explained Tatiana Kelil, MD, the interim chief of the Breast Imaging Division at the University of California, San Francisco.
Experts consistently emphasize the necessity of regular screenings, noting that mammograms can miss
“Annual mammograms are advisable due to the rapid growth rate of breast cancers in their early stages,” elaborated
“Increased screening frequency may be warranted for individuals at high risk (such as those with hereditary breast cancer or significant family history) or if previous tests have shown concerning findings,” she told Healthline. “Interval breast cancers, which arise between screenings, can be more aggressive and spread more quickly, highlighting the importance of not skipping mammograms.”
“Screening is vital for identifying breast cancer at its earliest possible stage,” added Mediget Teshome, MD, chief of breast surgery at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
It’s projected that over 300,000 new invasive breast cancer cases will be diagnosed among women in the U.S. in 2025, with about 42,000 expected fatalities this year.
Breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the U.S., following only lung cancer.
The average risk of a U.S. woman developing breast cancer throughout her lifetime is approximately 13%, and the incidence rate has risen by about 1% annually in recent years.
- Presence of a lump in the breast
- Presence of a lump in the underarm
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast
- Changes in the nipple
Treatment for breast cancer can vary based on the stage at which it is diagnosed and how aggressive the disease has progressed. Possible treatments may include:
“Annual screening mammography, irrespective of age, has been unequivocally proven to lower the risk of breast cancer mortality,” stated Richard Reitherman, MD, a radiologist at MemorialCare Breast Center in California.
“By receiving annual screening mammograms, a woman’s chances of dying from breast cancer are significantly reduced, which also lessens the intensity of treatment and leads to fewer long-term side effects,” he told Healthline.
However, breast cancer can present more aggressively and be tougher to treat in women under 40.
The ACS
“It’s crucial for younger women to engage in regular breast cancer screenings since the disease can manifest at any age, and early detection is key to saving lives,” Kelil emphasized.
Timely cancer screenings are essential for early detection 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 possess denser breast tissue, which can complicate mammogram interpretations and lead to callbacks for additional imaging. However, younger patients are statistically less likely to have actual cancer. Following up on any findings is vital to discern whether they are benign or malignant.
In the U.S., Black women experience higher mortality rates from breast cancer compared to other ethnic groups. Research indicates that Black women may face unique stressors related to racism and other factors, contributing to more aggressive tumor development. It’s imperative for both the public and healthcare professionals to recognize these disparities.
Dr. Teshome stresses the necessity of equitable access to breast cancer screening and treatment for all women. Disparities in health outcomes and mortality rates based on race and socioeconomic factors are unacceptable, and prompt access to necessary interventions is crucial for improving health outcomes for all individuals affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer impacts women from all walks of life, but inequities in access can lead to later diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and increased mortality rates, particularly in underserved communities. Addressing these disparities is vital for ensuring better outcomes for all women facing breast cancer.
