Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ widely known for her roles in the late ’90s, has passed away at the age of 52. The news was shared by Lakshmi Emory, a close friend, who described Lewis as a “phenomenal sister” and expressed her sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. Details about the cause of her death were not provided.
Lewis gained fame as a host on “Total Request Live” and the “Hot Zone,” later launching her own talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show,” in 2001. In 2019, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer but chose to forgo suggested double mastectomy surgery, opting instead for alternative treatment methods. In her January 2025 op-ed for Essence, Lewis detailed her unconventional approach, which included lifestyle changes like eliminating alcohol and sugar, undergoing monthly ultrasounds, and trying high-dose vitamin C infusions and hyperbaric therapy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis discovered that her tumor had grown, leading her to start genetically targeted chemotherapy, designed to selectively eliminate cancer cells. Unfortunately, an October 2023 PET scan revealed that her cancer had advanced to Stage 4. At this point, she began treatment at an integrative facility.
Lewis reflected on her journey, acknowledging that her fear of radiation exposure led her to skip mammograms, emphasizing the importance of women being informed about their health. She encouraged others to learn from her experiences, stressing the significance of prevention and early intervention. In her Essence article, she urged women to seek out information and apply changes to safeguard their health, hoping to prevent others from facing a similar fate.
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