AceShowbiz - 90s R&B singer Shanice, best known for her hit "I Love Your Smile", recently revealed her battle with breast cancer after avoiding mammograms for eight years. Diagnosed with stage one cancer in March, Shanice, 51, shared her journey on "Good Morning America" to emphasize the significance of early detection.

In her mid-40s, Shanice experienced a health scare when doctors initially misdiagnosed a lump as cancerous, later found to be a cyst. This incident instilled a deep fear of mammograms, leading her to skip routine screenings for almost a decade. "Because of the fear that I had when they thought they saw something, I didn't go for eight years," Shanice said, highlighting the impact of her previous experience.

Earlier this year, Shanice felt a lump in her breast and opted to undergo a mammogram. Initially, doctors diagnosed her with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive stage zero cancer contained within the milk ducts. However, during a double mastectomy in May, they discovered a stage one, one-centimeter tumor in her breast. "When I had my surgery and they told me I had cancer, I literally lost my smile," she recalled. Yet Shanice persisted, determined to regain her smile and use her story to encourage others.

Shanice underlined the importance of regular mammograms, particularly for those with dense breast tissue, which can make cancer detection more challenging. She explained, "If I would have gone sooner, I could have caught it at stage zero. Put that fear aside. If you get checked early, you can beat this thing. It's not a death sentence. If you can get there early, you'll live."

Appearing strong and resilient, Shanice shared her journey on social media in September, expressing gratitude to those who supported her through her toughest times. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to face in my life but I know God is with me and everything is gonna go well," she said, displaying unwavering faith and determination.

Shanice's story serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of early cancer detection and the importance of overcoming fear. Her journey not only sheds light on the challenges of breast cancer but also inspires others to take proactive steps in their health care.

Resources and support for breast cancer patients are readily available. It is encouraged to reach out to healthcare providers to schedule routine mammograms and discuss any health concerns.