Rapper Cardi B, 29, Urgently Seeks A Breast Cancer Oncologist
- Rapper Cardi B, 29, has made an urgent request for a doctor specializing in breast cancer treatment.
- In her Instagram stories, pleading with her 140 million followers to send her the name of an oncologist, though she doesn't reveal who might be in need.
- Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery via a mastectomy or lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Breast cancer is typically detected via a mammogram, which look for lumps in the breast tissue and early signs of breast cancer.
She posted what appeared to be a cry for help in her Instagram stories, pleading with her 140 million followers to send her the name of an oncologist, though she doesn't reveal who might be in need.
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"I need the best oncologist for breast cancer ASAP!!!," she posted on a bright red background with white text, giving the look of an emergency. "Don’t care where they from but preferably in NY." Born with the name Belcalis Almánzar, Cardi B is a married mother of two, giving birth to her daughter Kulture in 2018 and son Wave in 2021 with husband and fellow rapper Offset.The popular entertainer also posted a video in her Instagram stories the night before, pointing out a green insect or butterfly in her home, but also saying she was praying for someone in her family.
"And I’ve been praying for something I’ve been praying and praying for someone in my family, and I feel like this is a sign that hope is going on,’ she posted with optimism. "I have never seen this [expletive] in my house. And look at it. Look at it. It’s nice, beautiful and green."
Cardi B added, "Look at this guys. So, in Spanish, this is called “Esperanza [hope].” That’s my grandma’s name."
Cardi's fans expressed concern and worry after seeing her Instagram story.
"Who got breast cancer?" a concerned fan asked, tagging Cardi.
"Mama, is everyone okay? Cause this about the third tweet you have made about cancer," another asked.
Another fan tweeted: "I'm praying for @iamcardib even if it's not pertaining to her, she posted on her Instagram story about breast cancer."
"Cardi just posted about cancer …. Cardi are you ok???" another worried fan asked the rapper.
The rapper's concern for someone close to her comes after she recently resolved some legal trouble. She pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and reckless endangerment for her part in a 2018 strip club brawl.
The surprise plea deal came just a day before she was set to go on trial in a Queens, New York court. Cardi B had been facing potential prison time and a felony conviction.
In exchange for pleading guilty to the less-serious charges, the rapper will now have to perform 15 days of community service.
Cardi B posted her reaction after the hearing ended on Instagram, writing, "Everyday the sun won't shine, but that's why I love tomorrow."
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Breast Cancer Treatment Options
While Cardi B was vague in her Instagram post that asked for help finding a breast cancer oncologist, she will likely find a doctor who will discuss numerous treatment options.
Those options include surgery (via a mastectomy or lumpectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some people also get preventative mastectomies if there's a history of breast cancer in the family and thus an elevated risk of developing the disease.
According to the CDC, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2021. Although most cases are found in women, men can develop this cancer too though it is more rare, in part, due to the simple fact that men have less breast tissue.
There are many treatment options available for people with this disease, but treatment depends on the specifics of each case. Identifying these specifics means looking into whether the cancerous cells have certain receptors. These receptors the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor and the HER2 receptor can help identify the unique features of the cancer and help personalize treatment.
When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
How to Screen for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is typically detected via a mammogram, the screening method for this type of cancer. Mammograms look for lumps in the breast tissue and early signs of breast cancer.
Women aged 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer (i.e. no family history of the disease) should have mammograms annually. Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, says in an earlier interview, "If you haven't gone through menopause yet, I think it's very important that you have a mammogram every year."
Related: Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams
"We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving," says Dr. Lehman. "After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years. But what I'm most concerned about is the women who haven't been in for a mammogram for two, three, or four years, those women that have never had a mammogram. We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives."
For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer this means they either have a history of breast cancer in the family, or they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation they should begin screening even earlier, before age 45.
While getting a mammogram, ask about dense breasts, which may obscure cancer. The technician will be able to do determine whether or not you have dense breasts.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
Survivors tell us it's key to ask for the support you needboth mentally and spiritually as well as for your practical needs. There is life after cancer so the goal is to keep hopeful and strong, and cut yourself some slack.
Dr. Susan Parsons, Director of Survivorship Care at Tufts University, often hears "How am I going to get through this?" as one of the first questions a person will ask after a cancer diagnosis. "My advice is to take one day at a time," Dr. Parsons tells SurvivorNet, "and be kind to yourself."
Many of the words that we use in treating cancer are about the war, and the battle, and the sense of bravery, and the sense of courage. And that can put a lot of pressure on some people.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.