Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis has revealed heartbreaking news: her breast cancer has metastasized and progressed to stage IV.
The 51-year-old first shared her diagnosis back in 2020, when she was battling stage III breast cancer.
At the time, Lewis bravely opened up on Instagram about her decision to avoid mammograms for years, fearing radiation exposure.
In a deeply emotional discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and anchor Sara Sidner—who was also diagnosed with stage III breast cancer this year—Lewis reflected on her journey and the difficult decisions she made.
Despite her doctors’ advice for a double mastectomy, Lewis initially chose a different path.
“My plan was to eliminate toxins and trust my body’s intelligence,” Lewis shared.
“Our bodies are beautifully made, and I believed I could heal it naturally.”
She decided to keep her tumor, seeking alternative treatments.
But now, looking back, she wonders if she should have followed the doctors’ recommendations.
“Maybe I should have taken that step,” she admitted.
Lewis combined homeopathic remedies with medication, radiation, improved sleep, and a healthier diet.
For a while, she felt like she was making progress.
But last year, the devastating news came: her cancer had spread.
“My lymph system flared up, and I had a real conversation with death,” Lewis recalled.
“I thought I had it under control, but I felt death’s presence. I said, ‘Not yet. If you’re coming for me, let it be later—and I promise to make it fun when the time comes.’”
Lewis, reflecting on her difficult choices, explained that her focus was always on her quality of life.
“I wanted to live on my own terms. I needed to feel like I wanted to be here, so I did things my way.”
Sara Sidner, who underwent a double mastectomy in May, shared how her own cancer diagnosis shifted her outlook on life.
“I want to thrive in ways I never imagined before,” Sidner said, drawing strength from her experience.
In an Instagram post about the conversation, Stephanie Elam emphasized the importance of their discussion.
“If this inspires just one woman to get a mammogram, that’s success. I’m forever grateful for Ananda and Sara’s openness and bravery. We all deserve long, healthy lives.”
Sending love and prayers to Ananda Lewis, Sara Sidner, and all of the breast cancer warriors and survivors.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of regular health check-ups.
If you haven’t had a mammogram yet, schedule one today!
Early detection can make a huge difference. Let’s take care of ourselves and encourage the women in our lives to do the same.
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