Singer Shanice‘s recent breast cancer diagnosis has inspired her to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings, hoping to help women worldwide take charge of their health. As a beloved R&B icon, Shanice’s health update has sparked public attention and her story highlights an important message on the impact of regular screenings.
Let’s delve into the details of her journey, from her initial health scare to her powerful advocacy for early cancer detection.
What happened to Shanice? Health update
R&B singer Shanice, known for her hit song “I Love Your Smile,” recently shared about her battle with breast cancer on Good Morning America. After skipping mammograms for around eight years due to a past health scare, she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in March 2024, following a mammogram. Initially, doctors suspected a non-invasive stage of cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but further tests during her surgery in May revealed a small, one-centimeter tumor.
This diagnosis followed a previous incident over a decade ago when a mammogram incorrectly indicated a possible cancerous lump that turned out to be a benign cyst. This experience left Shanice apprehensive about returning for mammograms, a common hesitation for those who experience a misdiagnosis. The singer, who is now 51 years old, also noted that she has dense breast tissue, which complicates the accuracy of mammogram readings, as dense tissue can obscure potential tumors.
In sharing her journey, Shanice hopes to encourage other women to prioritize early cancer screenings. The Grammy-nominated singer stressed that regular mammograms could have caught her cancer at an earlier, possibly less severe stage. She added that early detection is crucial, especially for Black women, who face a higher breast cancer mortality rate, according to the American Cancer Society.
Through her experience, Shanice has become a vocal advocate for overcoming the fear of mammograms. She urges women to undergo regular screenings, emphasizing that early detection offers a better chance of beating cancer. Shanice’s message serves as a reminder that mammograms are an essential tool in breast cancer prevention, and facing any fear of diagnosis can ultimately save lives.