Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis has revealed that her breast cancer has progressed to stage IV after initially choosing not to undergo traditional treatments, including a double mastectomy.
As previously reported Lewis, 51, initially shared her initial breast cancer diagnosis in a 2020 Instagram post, where she explained her decision to avoid mammograms for years due to concerns about radiation exposure.
“For a really long time, I have refused mammograms, and that was a mistake,” said Lewis at the time while remembering her mom battle cancer after having mamograms. “I watched my mom get mammograms for almost 30 years, and at the end of that, she had breast cancer, and I said, ‘Huh? Radiation exposure for years equals breast cancer. Yeah, I’m going to pass. Thanks anyway.’”
“If I had done the mammograms from the time they were recommended when I turned 40, they would’ve caught the tumor in my breast years before I caught it through my own self exam and thermography,” she continued. “And they would have caught it at a place where it was more manageable. Where the treatment of it would have been a little easier. It’s never easy, but I use that word in comparison to what I’m going through now. Instead, what I’m dealing with is stage 3 breast cancer that is in my lymphs. I need you to get your mammograms.”
Now she’s sharing a sad update about the cancer spreading in her body.
PEOPLE reports that in a recent discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and anchor Sara Sidner—who was also diagnosed with stage III breast cancer earlier this year—Lewis opened up about her choice to forgo surgery after her initial diagnosis.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” said Ananda noting that she chose to remove toxins from her body. “Looking back, I go, ‘Maybe I should have [chosen a different path].’”
Lewis went on to say that she initially pursued homeopathic remedies, a new diet, a healthier lifestyle, and medication. Though she experienced some improvement, her condition worsened in 2023, when she discovered her cancer had spread.
“My lymph system really flared up,” she recounted, recalling her first encounter with the possibility of death. “I thought I had this, but I told death, ‘Not yet. When you do come, I’m gonna make it fun for you.’”
Reflecting on her decision to decline a double mastectomy, Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining her quality of life. “I want to want to be here, so I had to do it my way,” she explained.
As for Sidner, she chose to have a double mastectomy.
It’s unclear if Ananda is undergoing radiation now.
In an Instagram comment, she noted her excitement about having the important conversation timed around Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Whew chile! The ride of die is REAL!ðððð»ð,” wrote the host on her best friend Stephanie Elam’s page. “It was incredible to have this conversation with you @stephelamtv and @sarasidnertv ðð½ð Hoping for the best outcomes for EVERYONE pushing through life with cancerð Love you!
In 2023, Ananda was also a guest on Amanda Seales’ “Small Doses” podcast where she discussed the holistic approach she was taking to her healing.
We’re sending sincere well wishes Ananda Lewis’ way.