Tina Knowles Opens Up About Shocking Breast Cancer Diagnosis After Missed Mammogram: ‘I Can’t Imagine What Could Have Happened’

Tina Knowles, the powerhouse behind Beyoncé and Solange’s success, is sharing an incredibly personal and urgent message for women everywhere.

In a new, exclusive interview, the 71-year-old mother, philanthropist, and author of Matriarch reveals a life-changing health scare that nearly went unnoticed.

As part of People‘s World’s Most Beautiful issue, Knowles opens up for the first time about her recent breast cancer diagnosis — one that nearly slipped through the cracks due to a missed mammogram.

“It’s so important to stay on top of your health,” Knowles says, urging women to never skip those crucial screenings.

“I almost didn’t catch it.

If I hadn’t gotten my test when I did, I can’t even imagine what could have happened to me.”

The Shocking Discovery: A Breast Cancer Diagnosis After a Missed Mammogram
Knowles’ breast cancer journey began in July of last year, when doctors informed her that she had stage 1 breast cancer in her left breast.

The diagnosis came as a shock, especially since she had been focused on her successful ventures, including launching her new Cécred hair care line with Beyoncé and finishing her memoir, Matriarch.

But the true twist came when Knowles realized she had missed a mammogram appointment years prior due to the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I completely forgot that I didn’t go in for my test two years ago,” she admits.

“Covid hit, my appointment got canceled, and I just thought I had done it.

You cannot let that happen.”

She continued, “If I hadn’t gotten my test early, I don’t want to think about what could’ve happened.”

A Family’s Strength: How Beyoncé and Solange Supported Their Mom
In her memoir, Matriarch, Knowles delves into how her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, handled the news.

“Beyoncé took it well, staying calm and immediately focusing on making sure everything was done right.

She turned it into a task, something to be solved,” Knowles recalls.

“Solange, on the other hand, said, ‘Mom, we’re going to take care of this.’”

With the support of Beyoncé, Solange, and bonus daughters like Kelly Rowland, Knowles felt surrounded by strength and love.

“My girls became my team,” she writes in Matriarch.

Despite no history of breast cancer in her family — and after genetic testing that showed no signs of the breast cancer gene — Knowles’ diagnosis still caught her off guard.

It turns out that breast cancer can strike even without a family history, and Knowles’ ex-husband, Mathew Knowles, has also faced his own battle with stage 1 breast cancer.

Surgery, Recovery, and a New Chapter
Late last year, Knowles underwent surgery to remove the tumor and opted for a breast reduction as part of her recovery.

Today, she is healthy, cancer-free, and feeling incredibly grateful.

“I’m doing great now.

Cancer-free and blessed beyond measure,” she says with a smile.

The survivor is also making strides in her personal health, eating better, losing weight, and feeling empowered.

“I want to show people that you can go through something like this and still be fabulous,” she says.

“It’s about resilience, and knowing that you can emerge from even the toughest times stronger than before.”

An Urgent Message for Women Everywhere
Tina Knowles is sending an urgent plea to all women: don’t wait.

Don’t miss that test.

“I didn’t even know there was a ‘stage 0’ in breast cancer,” she says.

“I could have caught this much earlier.

Don’t let the years slip by — make sure you stay on top of your health.”

Most importantly, Knowles hopes her story will inspire others to live each day to the fullest.

“What scares me now is not making the best of every day I have left,” she shares.

Tina Knowles is not just a survivor.

She’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you can overcome.

For more on Tina Knowles’ health journey and the full story behind her incredible life, pick up this week’s People magazine — available now.