Ananda Lewis, the former BET personality and MTV VJ, recently made headlines with a revelation that she has been battling Stage 4 breast cancer since October 2023. What’s perhaps more striking than her diagnosis is her approach to treatment.
Lewis, now 51, first received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. In an emotional video shared on Instagram in October 2020, she expressed deep regret for not getting regular mammograms, admitting she had been worried that the radiation from the scans might make her sick.
“I wish I could go back,” she told her followers.
Yet even after learning of her diagnosis, Lewis opted against the traditional medical route—refused a mastectomy and instead chose a path of alternative medicine, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments.
Lewis hoped that through healthier living and avoiding “excess toxins,” she could rid her body of the tumor. She even kept a close eye on her cancer’s progression through monthly ultrasounds, at least until the COVID-19 pandemic stopped her routines. By the time she returned to regular monitoring, the cancer had metastasized to Stage 4, which is often considered incurable but manageable with treatment.
Lewis admitted she now questions her decisions, saying in an interview with CNN, “Maybe I should’ve gotten the mastectomy.”
Her openness about her cancer scare—and the choices she made—provides a window into a broader issue that many face when deciding how best to confront serious illness: When should you follow a doctor’s advice, and when is it reasonable to turn to alternative, holistic methods?
I can’t judge her for the path she chose. She made decisions she believed were right for her, rooted in a desire to heal naturally, and advocated for what she believed was best for her body. Her approach reminds me of what my relatives in Nigeria did when modern medical resources weren’t readily available to them. Traditional and holistic healing methods are still considered viable solutions to treat certain ailments. These methods, often based on centuries-old practices, can sometimes prove effective, especially in communities with limited access to formal medical care.
However, Lewis’ story also serves as a cautionary tale. While holistic medicine and lifestyle changes can certainly have a positive impact on health and well-being, it’s crucial to recognize that certain conditions—like cancer—often require medical interventions that holistic methods alone cannot provide. In Lewis’ case, it was a combination of holistic care and chemotherapy that sustained her, but her choice to delay more aggressive treatments like a mastectomy may have cost her time.
There’s a growing trend in our society of skepticism toward traditional medicine, often fueled by concerns about side effects, mistrust in the pharmaceutical industry, or simply the desire to take more control over one’s health.
Cancer is an aggressive enemy, especially when it reaches an advanced stage. The higher the stage, the more likely the cancer is to spread to other parts of the body. While alternative therapies can provide comfort and may even complement traditional treatments, I don’t believe they can be substitutes for proven medical interventions. I love advocating for myself, and it’s important for me to have open, honest conversations with medical professionals when considering alternative treatments.
