Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, has opened up about her recent experience with breast cancer. In a heartfelt interview with CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, the 71-year-old revealed her diagnosis of Stage 1 breast cancer following a missed regular screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diagnosis and Detection

Knowles shared that she had delayed her routine mammogram due to the pandemic, which ultimately led to the discovery of two tumors during a postponed appointment. “I’ve always tried to take care of myself. I just … was in disbelief,” she told King.

According to the American Cancer Society, women over 55 are advised to have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Had Knowles not postponed her screening, doctors indicated that cancer might have been detected earlier, potentially at Stage 0—a phase where cancer has not spread beyond breast tissue. Fortunately, one tumor was benign, while the other was diagnosed as Stage 1 cancer, which was identified as slow-growing and localized.

Path to Recovery

In August, Knowles underwent a lumpectomy to remove the affected tumor. Thankfully, she is now cancer-free. During her hospital stay, she received support from her daughters and friends, with members of her family visiting her before surgery.

Recalling her time in the hospital, Knowles mentioned, “I was nervous…and so they started just joking with me.” Solange lightened the mood by playing a viral video which made her laugh, helping to ease her anxiety before the procedure.

Significant Family Support

Solange, together with her niece Angie Beyincé, performed a song titled “Walk With Me,” which holds a special significance for Knowles. “It’s about God walking with you into something and protecting you,” she reflected, expressing gratitude for her family’s presence during such a challenging time.

Post-Surgery Challenges

In the months following her surgery, Knowles faced health challenges, including a serious post-surgical infection, which nearly prevented her from attending Glamour’s 2024 Women of the Year event. Despite her family’s concerns urging her to focus on her health, she felt that the recognition was particularly meaningful following her recent battle with cancer.

She stated, “A lot of my life, I just refused to be recognized. I would never take an award…this was my saying, ‘I deserve this.’”

Messages of Resilience

At the Glamour event, Knowles reflected on the unwavering support from her daughters, noting that their presence helped her navigate through difficult times. “That’s why when I said, you know, with them, I could get through anything, nobody knew what I was talking about,” she stated.