Lisa Lisa bravely hid her breast cancer diagnosis while on tour in the 80s

Singer Lisa Lisa revealed that she hid her breast cancer diagnosis while on tour in the 80s. She was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma and underwent chemotherapy while continuing to perform.

Lisa Lisa, the iconic pop singer of the 80s, has opened up about her courageous decision to hide her breast cancer diagnosis while on tour. In a recent episode of "The Tamron Hall Show," the 57-year-old singer shared her story, highlighting the challenges and secrecy that surrounded her experience.

"It was hard to talk about back then," Lisa Lisa said. "It was hard, there was no one to speak on it … The guys used to ask me, ‘Are you gaining weight? Are you pregnant?’ I was like, ‘No I’m going through chemo.’ No one knew, I had to hide it basically, my mom didn’t even know."

Lisa Lisa's journey began when she noticed unusual bruising on her body. Seeking medical attention, she received the devastating diagnosis of ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. Despite the shocking news, she made the brave decision to continue touring while undergoing chemotherapy.

"It was difficult," she recalled. "It was really, really hard. I didn’t know what to do, who to speak to. My doctor was like, ‘You should not be on tour,’ and I said, ‘I have to work because I have bills to pay.’"

Throughout her ordeal, Lisa Lisa kept her diagnosis a secret, even from her mother. The stigma surrounding cancer in the 80s made it difficult for her to seek support or share her experience.

"I was afraid of what people would say," she explained. "I didn’t want people to look at me differently. I wanted to be strong, I wanted to be the Lisa Lisa that everyone knew."

Lisa Lisa's decision to hide her illness was a common practice at the time. Many celebrities and public figures faced pressure to maintain a perfect image, and cancer was often seen as a taboo subject.

"There was a lot of shame associated with cancer," she said. "People didn’t want to talk about it, they didn’t want to know about it. I felt like I had to keep it a secret."

Despite the challenges, Lisa Lisa found strength through music. Performing on stage provided her with an escape from the pain and fear she was experiencing.

"Music was my therapy," she said. "It was the one place where I could be myself and express myself. It was the one place where I felt normal."

Years later, Lisa Lisa has chosen to share her story to inspire others. She encourages women to be proactive about their health and to seek help when they need it.

"I want women to know that they’re not alone," she said. "Cancer is a scary disease, but it’s important to remember that there is hope. There are people who care about you and want to help you."

Lisa Lisa's bravery and resilience serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome challenges and find strength within oneself. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed.