Tina Knowles Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey with CBS Mornings
Tina Knowles, the mother of famous singers Beyoncé and Solange, recently discussed her experience with breast cancer in an interview with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings.” At 71 years old, Knowles revealed she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer following a delayed mammogram appointment.
Delayed Screening and Diagnosis
During her interview, Knowles expressed disbelief upon receiving her diagnosis. She explained that she had missed her routine mammogram during the COVID-19 pandemic and only rescheduled last year. As a result of this delay, doctors detected two tumors, one of which was benign while the other was cancerous.
The American Cancer Society recommends women over 55 undergo a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Knowles learned that if she had adhered to her regular screenings, her cancer could have been caught at Stage 0, a phase when the disease remains confined to the breast tissue.
Successful Treatment and Family Support
Fortunately, the cancer remained localized and was classified as slow-growing. In August, Knowles underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and is now cancer-free. Her daughters, along with friends, gathered to support her at the hospital prior to her surgery.
“I was nervous,” said Knowles, reminiscing about the lighthearted atmosphere created by her family, particularly when Solange shared a humorous viral video. “I start laughing. I get out of my head. … Then I said, ‘I’m just so happy that y’all are here.’”
Meaningful Moments Before Surgery
Before the procedure, Solange and her cousin Angie Beyincé performed a rendition of the song “Walk With Me,” which holds a spiritual message about divine support during challenging times. Knowles shared her emotional response, saying, “And I went in there feeling just like God has got me.”
Post-Surgical Recovery and Recognitions
After her surgery, Knowles faced a significant post-surgical infection that nearly prevented her from attending Glamour’s 2024 Women of the Year event. Her family, particularly Beyoncé, emphasized the importance of her health, reminding her, “Your health is more important. Don’t go.”
Despite her initial reluctance toward accolades, Knowles recognized the event as a pivotal moment in her journey towards acceptance and self-worth. “A lot of my life, I just refused to be recognized. I would never take an award… and this was my saying, ‘I deserve this,’” she remarked.
Acknowledging Family Support in Her Speech
During the event, Knowles reflected on the unwavering support from her daughters throughout her illness. “That’s why when I said, you know, with them, I could get through anything, nobody knew what I was talking about,” she said, highlighting the strength of familial ties during difficult times.
Upcoming Interview Highlights
The full interview with Gayle King is set to air on April 23, 2025, providing further insight into Knowles’ battle with cancer and her perspectives on life, faith, and family.