Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, recently opened up about her breast cancer journey to raise awareness. She revealed that her battle began after she missed several mammogram appointments. Tina, now 71, stressed the importance of regular breast screenings by saying, “You cannot play around with that.” Her story is a powerful reminder that breast cancer can affect anyone, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Tina’s experience encourages women everywhere to take their health seriously and never delay important check-ups like mammograms. Read ahead to know more about it.
Tina Knowles’ Breast Cancer Journey![1 - 2025-04-24T105458.892]( "tina knowles cancer")
Tina Knowles was diagnosed with stage 1a breast cancer in 2024. She found out after finally getting a mammogram that she had missed for four years. The delay happened because her appointments were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she thought she had already done the test. When she got tested, doctors found a small cancerous tumour in her left breast and a non-cancerous lump in her right breast.
Tina said she was lucky the cancer was caught early. Her doctor told her the cancer was slow-growing and treatable. She had surgery to remove the tumours and is now cancer-free. Tina shared how her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, supported her during this tough time. Beyoncé stayed positive and treated the situation like a challenge to overcome. Tina called her family her ‘support system’ and thanked them for being there.
What Is a Mammogram?![3 (85)]( "mammogram tina knowles")
-1745472452503.jpg "mammogram tina knowles")
Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, explains, “A mammogram is a special X-ray test that looks at the breast. The machine uses a low dose of X-rays to take pictures of the inside of your breast. These pictures help doctors see if there are any changes or unusual areas in the breast tissue, like lumps or spots that might be cancer.”
Mammograms are very good at finding tumours that are too small to feel with your hands. This means doctors can find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Women, especially those over 40, should get regular mammograms to help catch breast cancer as soon as possible.
There are two main types of mammograms:
- Screening mammogram: Done regularly for women without symptoms to catch cancer early.
- Diagnostic mammogram: Done if there are symptoms like lumps or pain, or if something unusual shows up on a screening mammogram.
Does a Mammogram Hurt?![2 - 2025-04-24T105456.255]( "mammogram")
Dr Vijayajumar says that feeling some pain or discomfort during a mammogram is normal. This happens because the breast is pressed between two plates. The plates gently squeeze the breast to get a clear picture inside. Some women might feel this squeezing as uncomfortable or even painful. But the squeezing only lasts a few seconds for each picture.
The whole test takes about 20 minutes. Most women say the discomfort is easy to handle. If the pain is too much, you should tell the technician. They can make changes to help you feel better.
Tips to Remember for Breast Health![4 (21)]( "breast health cancer")
-1745472479775.jpg "breast health cancer")
- Schedule regular mammograms as recommended by your doctor.
- Don’t skip or delay appointments, even if life gets busy.
- Be aware of any changes in your breasts, like lumps, pain, or size changes.
- Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise to support overall health.
- Stay informed about breast cancer and screening guidelines.
Conclusion
Tina Knowles’ breast cancer battle is a strong reminder that early detection saves lives. Missing a mammogram can have serious consequences. Her honest sharing helps break the silence around breast cancer and encourages women to act early. If you or someone you love is due for a mammogram, don’t wait and get the test done at the earliest.