Sis, Let’s Talk: What Tina Knowles’ Breast Cancer Can Teach Us All
When Ms. Tina Knowles—The Queen of The Queen B —recently revealed she had been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, it was a wake-up call for many of us. She said something that stuck: she thought stage one was the lowest stage…until she found out about stage zero. That small detail? It makes all the difference in catching cancer early, and possibly saving your life.
Let’s break it down, sister-to-sister, because knowledge is power—and in this case, it could be life-saving.
The Stages of Breast Cancer (Real Quick)
• Stage 0: This is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It’s non-invasive, meaning cancer cells are still contained in the milk ducts. It’s the earliest and most treatable form.
• Stage 1: Cancer is small and either hasn’t spread or has only spread slightly. Still very treatable.
• Stage 2: Cancer is larger or has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Locally advanced. It’s spread more extensively in the breast or nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Metastatic. It’s spread to other parts of the body—lungs, liver, bones, etc.
Tina missed her regular mammogram during COVID—and that delay meant she might’ve caught it at stage zero had she gone sooner. That’s a reminder for all of us: don’t skip those appointments, no matter how busy life gets.
How to Do an At-Home Breast Exam
1. Look in the mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Check for changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
2. Raise your arms and look again for the same changes.
3. Feel your breasts while lying down using a firm, smooth touch with your fingers. Move in a circular motion from outside to center.
4. Stand or sit up (even in the shower) and feel your breasts again. Don’t forget your armpits.
If something feels off—lumps, swelling, pain, or discharge—talk to your doctor.
Why This Matters Even More for Us
Black women are about 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Part of that is due to late diagnoses and less access to early treatment. We also face more aggressive forms of breast cancer, like triple-negative, at younger ages.
So sis, let’s hold each other accountable. Text your girls: “When’s your next mammogram?” Learn your body. Do your exams. Keep those check-ups.
Because like Tina said, catching it early makes all the difference.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE.
READ MORE STORIES ON THEMORNINGHUSTLE.COM
HEAD BACK TO THEMORNINGHUSTLE.COM HOME PAGE
Sis, Let’s Talk: What Tina Knowles’ Breast Cancer Can Teach Us All was originally published on ronemorninghustle.staging.go.ione.nyc