{"id":107993,"date":"2025-10-01T10:40:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/?p=107993"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:40:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:40:42","slug":"lessons-from-ananda-lewis-dont-ignore-breast-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/lessons-from-ananda-lewis-dont-ignore-breast-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Lessons from Ananda Lewis: Don&#8217;t Ignore Breast Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you were like many of us who had our televisions glued to MTV back in the day, then you know exactly who Ananda Lewis is. As a former VJ and host, she won the hearts of many with her charisma and vibrant personality. In an unfortunate turn of events, Ananda Lewis <a href=\"https:\/\/www.essence.com\/lifestyle\/health-wellness\/ananda-lewis-reveals-sstage-3-breast-cancer-regrets-not-getting-mammogram-sooner\/\">announced<\/a> in 2020 that she had been battling breast cancer for 2 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/bgn-film-review-mollys-game\/\" title=\"BGN Film Review: &#8216;Molly\u2019s Game&#8217;\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11135\">news<\/a> was extremely shocking, especially given that the disease had progressed to such a late stage. Her doctors recommended she undergo a double mastectomy, which would remove both of her breasts and ultimately reduce the risk of it developing further. In an effort to be as natural as possible, she opted not to get the surgery and instead changed her way of living by choosing to alter her diet and incorporate a variety of therapies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After fighting the natural way for 4 years, Lewis updated her fans with the news that her condition had worsened, progressing to stage 4. She always stood by her decision to go the natural route, but in June of 2025, Lewis sadly passed away after putting up a strong fight for over 7 years. As we enter<a href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/7-fun-ways-to-get-friends-and-family-involved-in-raising-awareness-for-breast-cancer\/\"> Breast Cancer Awareness Month<\/a>, let&#8217;s reflect on some things we learned from Lewis over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png\" class=\"mfp-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-107995 lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 300w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 768w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 370w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 800w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 20w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 740w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103449\/image-1.png 72w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During her journey, she became an advocate for women\u2019s health by encouraging them to get mammograms regularly, as well as pay attention to what women consume and how they take care of their bodies. She took to her <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/social-media-fasting-strategies-that-might-help-without-going-cold-turkey\/\" title=\"Social Media Fasting: Strategies That Might Help Without Going Cold Turkey\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11137\">social media<\/a> platforms to film videos talking about her journey and new ways of detoxing and wellness. She was extremely motivational and encouraging, but most importantly, her tone and confidence spoke volumes as she stood tall and refused to waste energy on giving in to cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She heavily emphasized that, while cancer is incurable, there are many steps we can take in our day-to-day <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/black-lives-matter-movement\/\" title=\"Black Lives Matter and So Does the Movement\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11133\">lives<\/a> to prevent getting it as best we can. In an issue of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.essence.com\/lifestyle\/ananda-lewis-breast-cancer\/\">Essence<\/a>, she discusses how prevention is the cure and that we should do our research. She says, \u201cI encourage <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/star-wars-rebels-season-4-details-2\/\" title=\"Star Wars Rebels Season 4: The Path to Final Season Revealed\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11134\">people<\/a> to look at the information and studies that exist. Seek them out, learn from them, and apply the changes to your life, so that you can continue to thrive and live as long as you can.\u201d She even takes it a <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/adorned-chi-bringing-cutesy-adorable-black-girl-aesthetic-life\/\" title=\"Adorned by Chi: Bringing the Cutesy Adorable Black Girl Aesthetic To Life\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11132\">step<\/a> further by pointing out that women of color should be more alert. \u201cAs <a href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/rising-breast-cancer-rates-in-young-black-women\/\">Black women<\/a>, we have all kinds of factors we\u2019re not even aware of that contribute to cancer impinging upon us. Increase your <a href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/diseases-affecting-black-women-receive-less-research-funding\/\">knowledge<\/a> about how to prevent getting here in the first place. Prevention is the real cure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that most insurance plans cover getting your regular women\u2019s wellness check-ups and mammograms. It is our responsibility to make sure we are taking advantage of the resources afforded to <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/the-10-horror-films-lupita-watched-for-her-role-in-us-and-their-clues-about-the-film\/\" title=\"The 10 Horror Films Lupita Watched for Her Role in &#8216;Us&#8217; and Their Clues About the Film\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11139\">us<\/a>, and Lewis spoke on that quite often. One of her biggest lessons was that women who opt for the natural way of tackling cancer often do so due to the fear of the unknown. ABC <a href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Health\/ananda-lewis-chose-natural-cancer-care-conventional-treatment\/story?id=122821651\">spoke<\/a> with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast oncologist at NYU Langone Hospital, who offered further insight into why many take the unconventional route like Lewis. Comen says, \u201cMany patients who decline conventional treatments do so due to fear of side effects, distrust of the medical system, or a desire for control. They often choose natural remedies, believing these are safer or better for their health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png\" class=\"mfp-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"906\" height=\"510\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-107994 lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 906w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 300w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 768w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 370w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 800w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 20w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 740w, https:\/\/bgn2018media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01103441\/image.png 85w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things about Lewis was her refusal to stay silent and her determination to raise awareness. Her social media is full of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/disney-pixars-coco-gives-new-hope-2\/\" title=\"Disney Pixar&#8217;s Coco Gives New Hope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11138\">photos<\/a> of her going through treatments from liquid IVs hooked up to her to CT scanning machines. She documented her journey to make sure that what she went through could be a learning opportunity for others. She was such a motivational voice for women who might have either been battling cancer or were simply not well educated on prevention. She was so positive in all of her videos and was loud about informing women about the importance of not ignoring check-ups. She led a tough fight until the very end, and her story was extremely impactful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ananda always remained transparent about the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/kameishia-wootens-choices-a-journey-through-tough-decisions\/\" title=\"Kameishia Wooten&#8217;s &#8216;Choices&#8217;: A Journey Through Tough Decisions\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"11136\">choices<\/a> she made, even the potential consequences that came with avoiding standard cancer treatment with medicines and chemicals. There&#8217;s no telling how many lives she saved by advocating, thus leading to some potential early detections. Lewis shed light on a very important debate: how can patients get the support they need to make informed decisions based on what\u2019s best for them? In addition to that, how can medical specialists and doctors tackle the growing distrust and fear women face when presented with treatment options? Lastly, how can the healthcare system offer better options that are affordable so women don\u2019t avoid getting the exams and care they need simply because of a price tag?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lewis has left many conversations on the table, and, as we approached 2025, she <a href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Health\/ananda-lewis-chose-natural-cancer-care-conventional-treatment\/story?id=122821651\">gave<\/a> some advice to urge women to take action now, rather than later. \u201cDo <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/bgn-food-blerds-can-cook-meal-delivery-sevice\/\" title=\"BGN FOOD: BLERDS CAN COOK \u2014 STEAK TAGLIATA\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"8487\">everything<\/a> in your power to avoid my story becoming yours. If I had known what I know now 10 years ago, perhaps I wouldn\u2019t have ended up here. I would have been cold plunging, exercising consistently, making sure my vitamin D levels were good, detoxing my body on a monthly and yearly basis, and sleeping better.\u201d Even though she is no longer with us, <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/blackgirlnerds.com\/issue-0-manga-review-mikel-miles-impact\/\" title=\"Issue #0 Manga Review of Mikel Miles &#8216;Her Impact&#8217;\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1013\">her impact<\/a> has left a mark as many women continue to be inspired by the lessons she leaves behind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you were like many of us who had our televisions glued to MTV back in the day, then you know exactly who Ananda Lewis is. As a former VJ and host, she won the hearts of many with her charisma and vibrant personality. In an unfortunate turn of events, Ananda Lewis announced in 2020&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":107996,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"fullscreen","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[8,21],"tags":[18396,12315,15299],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-107993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-women","category-health","tag-ananda-lewis","tag-breast-cancer","tag-breast-cancer-awareness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Lessons from 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