Ananda Lewis, Cancer, and the Power to Choose
Ananda Lewis
More Than a Pretty Face
Ananda Lewis, named one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 2000, was far more than a pretty face. She was a mother, a sister, a friend, a Howard University graduate, a journalist, and a beloved TV host of BET’s Teen Summit. She later became an MTV VJ and launched The Ananda Lewis Show. She was as brilliant and talented as she was beautiful.
When Two Journeys Begin a Year Apart
Ananda found her lump in 2018—just one year after I discovered mine in 2017. What makes one person go all in with treatment while another opts out? In a 2024 interview, when asked how she wanted to be remembered, Ananda said:
“That I loved hard and lived loud, didn’t back away from problems, loved this life—and was okay with letting it go, too.”
A Hard Question: Did She Back Away?
Looking back at her interviews, I have to wonder... didn't she back away from her problem? It was staring her right in the face—she had a family history of breast cancer, and yet, at 47, she had never done her regular mammograms. Was it fear of the unknown? She mentioned that her mom had mammograms for years and still ended up with breast cancer. Did she think mammograms should prevent it and, in that way, believed they failed her mom?
She said she didn't have the knowledge—but knowledge is out there. We just have to want to know. Mammograms don't stop cancer, but routine screenings help with early detection—and that can ultimately save your life. Women need to get with the program before cancer has a chance to progress.
My Story: Choosing Science and Faith
As for me? I had no money, no knowledge, and no clue. Some people hide their diagnosis, afraid that sharing it makes it more real—like speaking it into existence. But hunni, if you got it, you got it. Telling or hiding, you still have to hold the bull by the horns and get started on whatever treatment method you believe in.
I chose what was backed by science and shared my journey both privately and publicly. The doctor wanted to do a mastectomy, and I remember so badly wanting it out of me that I asked him to remove both breasts. My surgeon refused, of course—but I was that ready to rid myself of cancer. I held onto my family and close friends like a life raft and ventured into the unknown, guided by faith.
Her Regret and the Path She Chose
Ananda admitted that not getting routine mammograms was a mistake and publicly encouraged others to get theirs done. It was a past decision she had to live with—and, in this case, I dare say, ultimately die with.
Faith, Fate, and the Question of Power
Listening to her speak, she died believing she made the right decision for herself and her son. She was adamant: if it were meant to be, then it would be—regardless of what methods she chose. If she were destined to reach Stage 4, then so be it. But are we really that powerless? Are our destinies already written in the stars?
As she rightly said, cancer doesn't show up and replace what's already happening in your life—it piles on top of it. Life keeps life-ing.
When the Weight Is Too Much
For her, the idea of doing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy as a single mom homeschooling her son was simply too overwhelming. I truly get that. And I wish—for her son's sake—that things had turned out differently. But for me, I couldn't imagine not doing the mastectomy and chemotherapy, especially considering what I was going through at the time.
Is There a "Right" Way to Fight for Your Life?
So, what makes one treatment path right and another wrong? She might have done the double mastectomy and chemo and still reached Stage 4. Or maybe the homeopathic remedies could have worked. Is it only the "right" decision if you survive? Or do we just want to say, "At least she tried"?
Is chemo the best way? Or is it just the path that gets you less judgment?
What Saved Me
I don't know. I just know this: with my track record for consistency, homeopathic remedies weren't for me. Chemotherapy saved me. I want to say, "God wasn't done with me yet," but then I pause—because what does that mean for her and all the others who don’t make it?
I Chose to Fight
I did my mastectomy and chemotherapy even when people begged me not to. I watched a friend of mine waste away, convinced her natural remedies were shrinking her tumor. I knew I didn't want that to be me. Come hell or high water, I was going to fight—for my kids, my partner, my mom, my family, and my friends. Ultimately, for my life.
Consistency Is Everything
Is homeopathy the best way? I can't speak to that. But I do know that, like with any path, consistency is key. Ananda admitted she wasn't consistent due in part to financial strain. Still, despite our differing views, I pray her soul rests in peace. And I pray God wraps His arms around her son and brings him comfort.
Cancer Doesn't Ask for Permission
Cancer is a terrifying and horrible disease. Some people beat the odds and many more will. I'm an eight-year survivor, and I thank God every day that I'm still here. Others weren't as lucky. And while we may try our best to eat healthy, stay active, and live right—you don't need to "qualify" for cancer. It doesn't care about your age, race, or class.
Two Women. Two Choices. Both Deserve Grace.
By all appearances, Ananda lived a beautiful life. I have no doubt her story will live on in the hearts of many. We may not always agree or understand someone's decisions, but we must learn to respect them. At the end of the day, we all walk our own paths.
Ananda made the choice she believed was best for her, just as I made the choice I believed was best for me. If I could go back, I'd do it all again—no "what ifs." I need to know I did everything in my power to live.
We can lean on each other in these moments, looking for a sign, hoping someone shows us the "right" way. But there is no right or wrong way. Just choices. And the decision, in the end, is ours.
Author’s Note
Lucinda McIntosh, Author
“When Isma asked me to write this piece, it made me stop and think. What made me choose my course of action? Why did I think mine was the right way for me and why did she think her choice was the right decision for her?
Recently I lost my cousin who refused to get surgery, because his brother had the same diagnosis and in the end surgery didn’t save him. So he opted out and died not too long after. At first his refusal was a bitter pill to swallow but we had to come to terms with it. We don’t always understand, but we have to respect each other’s decisions.
So who knows why she refused surgery. Is it fair for us to judge without knowing her thought process? Where was she mentally, emotionally? All information pointed to her feeling overwhelmed and not able to process a double mastectomy. My take is, as with anything, choosing a course of action should be after thorough investigation. Once that’s done and you have come to terms with the decision then that IS the right decision for you.”
