Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ, has shared her personal journey with breast cancer, detailing her diagnosis and the various treatment methods she has pursued over nearly six years. Currently, some of her tumors have become undetectable, marking a significant milestone in her health journey.
During a recent roundtable discussion with fellow CNN journalist and breast cancer survivor Sara Sidner, Lewis expressed her perspective on life and health, emphasizing the importance of thriving beyond diagnosis. “If you extended your life, you won,” she noted, underlining her commitment to maintaining a quality of life that aligns with her desires. She stated, “I want to be here and had to do it a certain way for me.”
Lewis, who rose to stardom through shows like BET’s “Teen Summit” and “The Ananda Lewis Show,” discovered a lump in her breast in January 2019. Initially opting for alternative treatments, which she said helped manage her condition, she later faced a progression to Stage 4 after a period of financial strain and a shift in her treatment regimen.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Black women in healthcare, Lewis pointed out the historical distrust many have towards the medical establishment. “Our inability to be comfortable with doctors goes way back,” she explained, acknowledging the impact of systemic issues on health outcomes.
With breast cancer being the most diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S. (excluding skin cancers), the American Cancer Society reports that the disease impacts Black women at a disproportionate rate, with them facing younger diagnosis ages and higher mortality rates compared to other ethnic groups.
When her cancer progressed, doctors advised Lewis to undergo a double mastectomy. However, she chose to continue with alternative therapies, despite pressure from loved ones, including her sister, who is a physician and cancer survivor. “You have to do what works for you and only you,” she said, emphasizing the personal nature of her treatment decisions.
Lewis was dedicated to eliminating environmental toxins and managing emotional stress, believing these factors contribute to cancer development. She meticulously tracked her diet, emotions, and physical feelings, believing in the body’s capacity to heal itself.
Her treatment journey was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited her access to resources. Eventually, she relocated to Arizona, where she combined conventional and holistic approaches, resulting in a reduction of her cancer to Stage 2 in 2021. However, financial constraints and inadequate insurance coverage posed ongoing challenges to maintaining her health strategy.
By late October 2023, Lewis faced significant deterioration, with scans revealing that cancer had spread extensively throughout her body. This dire situation forced her to confront the reality of her condition. After experiencing severe pain and losing mobility due to bone issues, she was able to resume treatment and explored new medical options with insurance support.
Later, she discussed how maintaining her integrative approach has been beneficial, contributing to the shrinking of her tumors, many of which are now undetectable.
In contrast to Lewis’s approach, Sidner, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at age 51, opted for aggressive treatment methods, including a double mastectomy. Both women emphasized the importance of self-examinations and advocating for personal health care.
Elam, a close friend to both women, shared her gratitude for their openness during this dialogue, hoping their experiences would inspire others. “If we can get just one woman to get their mammogram because of this conversation, that’s success,” she stated.
Lewis also expressed her appreciation for the conversation, hoping for the best outcomes for all those facing similar battles with cancer.