Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has discussed her breast cancer diagnosis, following the arrival of her memoir.
Though she has been declared cancer-free, she provided some details about the condition while speaking to Oprah Winfrey on CBS.
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She recalled being scheduled for a routine mammogram during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was later cancelled due to lockdowns. However, she managed to book an appointment in September 2024.
That was when doctors found two lumps in her left breast, with one diagnosed as stage one cancer. Following the discovery, she went through a medical procedure to remove the tumour.
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Ms Knowles said her daughters, including Beyoncé, provided support during the period.
“I’ve always tried to take care of myself,f and I was in disbelief…It was stage one, which I thought was the earliest stage. When I told my sister, she said, ‘no, there’s a zero’. So if I had gone for my mammogram, I would’ve gotten it at the zero stage.
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“Thank God it was still very small, hadn’t spread. It was a very slow-spreading cancer,” she added, indicating that she was sharing her experience so other women could pick some nuggets.
“I decided to share it because I think it’s a lot of lessons in it for other women. 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,” she told another outlet.
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In March this year, the 71-year-old entrepreneur and fashion designer revealed plans to go on a national book tour in support of the book, which offers a close-up look at her life, family, and legacy.
It was announced that she should be joined by Michelle Obama, a former First Lady, for an evening encounter, where the author would discuss her life’s connections, experiences, and inspirations with other celebrities and friends.
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“I’m so excited to take Matriarch on the road and extend the conversation beyond the pages. Storytelling has always been a part of who I am — something I learned from my mother — and now, at 71, I finally understand who I truly am.
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“This journey has been about strength, motherhood, family pride, and identity; I hope these conversations help others embrace their own stories and celebrate the power of knowing what we deserve,” Knowles said in a statement.
