Tina Knowles, well-known for her contributions to the entertainment industry and as the mother of pop superstar Beyoncé, is using her personal journey with breast cancer to empower other women. Knowles emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant about health checkups, especially mammogram appointments, which can be pivotal in early detection of breast cancer.
In a revealing interview with *People* magazine, Knowles shared that she received a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis in her left breast last July. The discovery came at an unconventional time, soon after she and her daughter launched their hair-care line, Cécred. Also during this period, Knowles was engrossed in writing her memoir titled “Matriarch.” She expressed her initial hesitation about sharing her cancer journey in the memoir as she is a private person. However, she ultimately decided that the lessons learned could provide valuable insights for other women facing similar health issues.
“I struggled with whether I would share that journey [in the book] because I’m very private,” Knowles admitted. “But I decided to share it because I think it’s a lot of lessons in it for other women.” This statement encapsulates her belief that the experiences we go through can help educate and guide others. Knowles contends that women often lead busy lives, which can lead to neglecting essential health checkups. “You must go get your test,” she stressed, recognizing early detection as a crucial factor in her own health journey.
Interestingly, Knowles revealed that she had previously missed a mammogram appointment. Reflecting on that time, she shared her confusion about the cancellation of her appointment due to COVID-19. “I forgot that I didn’t go to get my test two years before I thought I had because Covid came and they called me and canceled me.” This anecdote serves as a reminder of how easily appointments can be overlooked, making it all the more crucial to stay proactive about health care.
Knowles’ memoir also touches upon how her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, reacted to her diagnosis. With a tone of gratitude, she shared that Beyoncé responded with resilience, focusing on navigating the situation efficiently. Solange, on the other hand, reassured her with a promise of support: “we are going to take care of this.” Such family support can often be a source of strength during difficult times, and Knowles acknowledged that her niece, Angie, along with fellow Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland, also provided her with much-needed encouragement during her health struggles.
“My girls became my team,” she mentioned in her memoir, highlighting the power of familial ties in times of adversity. The interconnectedness of the women in her family became a solid support system, helping her navigate the challenging emotions accompanying her diagnosis and treatment.
Tina Knowles’ experience shows that had she not missed her mammogram, her cancer could have been identified at stage 0, potentially resulting in an easier treatment path. Expressing her gratitude, she declared herself “cancer-free and incredibly blessed that God allowed me to find it early.” This perspective offers hope not only to those who may be facing similar challenges but also emphasizes proactive health management.
Beyond coping with cancer, Knowles noted that she has adopted healthier eating habits and has lost some weight, signifying a positive shift in lifestyle. Her memoir, which is currently available for purchase, stands as a testament to her journey and a source of empowerment for women everywhere, reinforcing the message that health should remain a top priority amidst life’s many distractions.