Taylor Swift Reveals Mother Andrea Swift Has Cancer In Heartbreaking Tumblr Post | HuffPost

This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

The singer announced the news on her Tumblr page on Thursday.

Arti Patel— The Huffington Post Canada

Taylor Swift revealed her mother Andrea has been diagnosed with cancer in an emotional post online.

The 25-year-old singer wrote a note on her Tumblr page on Thursday to share the news with her fans. Swift says during Christmas last year, instead of buying gifts, she asked her mother to go for a check-up with her doctor. Her 57-year-old mother was subsequently diagnosed with cancer, even after doctors didn't initially see any red flags. The singer says the details of her mother's condition and treatment remain private.

With thousands of responses from her fans demonstrating their support, Swift says this is also a good reminder to tell the people in our lives to get checked on a regular basis, especially our loved ones.

"She [her mother] wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle… Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about," she writes.

According to epidemiologist Graham A. Colditz, half of cancers are preventable, which is why it's always important to get checked out sooner rather than later. Lifestyle factors include avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet and avoiding tanning beds, for example, to lower your risk for the disease.

Here is the full message Swift posted on Tumblr:

Hey guys,
I’m writing to you with an update I wish I wasn’t giving you, but it’s important and I’m used to sharing important events in my life with you. Usually when things happen to me, I process them and then write music about how I feel, and you hear it much later.
This is something my family and I thought you should know about now.
For Christmas this year, I asked my mom that one of her gifts to me be her going to the doctor to get screened for any health issues, just to ease some worries of mine. She agreed, and went in to get checked. There were no red flags and she felt perfectly fine, but she did it just to get me and my brother off her case about it.
The results came in, and I’m saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer. I’d like to keep the details of her condition and treatment plans private, but she wanted you to know.
She wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle… Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about. She wanted you to know why she may not be at as many shows this tour. She’s got an important battle to fight.
Thank you for caring about my family so much that she would want me to share this information with you.
I hope and pray that you never get news like this.
Love you.
Taylor

Also on HuffPost

Cancer Research And Prevention 2014

Not All Stem Cells Are Created Equal(01 of17)

Dr. Mick Bhatia in Hamilton discovered that human stem cells made from adult donor cells remembered what cell types they came from. When reprogrammed in the lab they preferentially reverted to their original cell type. Dr Bhatia’s discovery will have important implications for new stem cell therapies. Via Nature Communications, Dec. 2014. (credit:Gary Caviness via Getty Images)

Mapping The Evolution Of Cancer Cells(02 of17)

Dr. Samuel Aparicio and Dr. Sohrab Shah in Vancouver made important discoveries that shed light on how cancer cells evolve in tumours. The researchers developed a new tool to group genetic mutations in a single tumour and used it to predict how cells in breast cancers evolve and grow over time. Understanding and predicting changes in complex cancers may provide new options for targeted treatments. Via Nature, Nov. 2014. (credit:Adrianna Williams via Getty Images)

Gene Mutation Could Be Leukemia Trigger(03 of17)

In Toronto, Dr. John Dick investigated the importance of over 100 genes commonly mutated in the early stages of leukemia. He found that a mutation in the gene DNMT3A plays a key role, making cells with this mutation resistant to chemotherapy and faster growing than normal stem cells. These findings identify a possible starting point for the disease which could help doctors diagnose and treat patients earlier. Via Nature, April 2014. (credit:Frantab via Getty Images)

Genetic Test To Predict Prostate Cancer Relapse(04 of17)

Dr. Robert Bristow in Toronto was part of an international team that developed a genetic test to predict which men are at highest risk of their prostate cancers returning following treatment. This test provides a way to identify patients who need more aggressive treatments, while avoiding over-treatment for patients whose cancers are less likely to return. Via Lancet Oncology, Nov. 2014. (credit:vitanovski via Getty Images)

Gene Mutations Linked To Lung Cancer Risk(05 of17)

Dr. Rayjean Hung in Toronto was part of an international research team that found rare variations of the BRCA2 and CHEK2 genes associated with squamous cell lung cancer in people of European ancestry. They also found genetic links for lung adenocarcinoma with a gene variation previously only reported in Asian populations. These findings contribute new knowledge about the genetic basis of lung cancer and have implications for the screening of high-risk individuals with these inherited mutations. Via Nature Genetics, June 2014. (credit:goa_novi via Getty Images)

Long-Term Effects Of Treatment For Childhood Brain Cancer(06 of17)

A study led by Dr. Donald Mabbott in Toronto found that children treated for medulloblastoma, a childhood brain cancer, had smaller regions of the brain associated with learning and memory, which was also linked to impairment in these abilities. This study highlights the need for more targeted therapies that minimize the late effects of treatment on survivors. Via Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, Jan. 2014. (credit:adventtr via Getty Images)

Banning Patio Smoking Helps Smokers To Quit(07 of17)

Dr. Michael Chaiton in Toronto led a survey of over 3,000 smokers about their exposure to smoke on patios and found that smokers were less likely to be successful in their quitting efforts after being exposed to tobacco smoke on a patio. These findings were used as evidence to support an Ontario government ban on smoking on patios, playgrounds and other outdoor public spaces. Via Tobacco Control, Oct. 2014. (credit:Chris Fertnig via Getty Images)

Too Many Carbs Could Fuel Colorectal Cancer(08 of17)

Genetics, diet and gut microbes all contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, but how these factors work together to promote cancer is not well understood. Dr. Alberto Martin in Toronto investigated these connections in a mouse model of colorectal cancer and found that gut microbes resulting from a diet high in carbohydrates interacted with cancer-causing genes to fuel cancer development. These findings have important implications for reducing cancer risk by changing diet and the make-up of gut microbes. Via Cell, July 2014. (credit:Adam Gault via Getty Images)

The Costs And Benefits Of Lung Cancer Screening(09 of17)

A study led by Dr. Stuart Peacock in Vancouver showed that the average costs of screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer and treating cancerous growths discovered through early detection were lower than the costs of treating advanced lung cancer. These findings provide important information to policymakers considering the value of lung cancer screening programs in high-risk groups. Via Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Oct. 2014. (credit:Gary Lowell via Getty Images)

Making Immunotherapies Work For More People(10 of17)

Harnessing the immune system’s powerful ability to fight cancer, Dr. Claude Perreault in Montreal has identified new molecules that attract T cells, the body’s natural killing machines which help fight off germs and diseases. Dr. Perreault used a new approach to identify molecules that attract the T cell’s cancer-fighting abilities. These findings could help increase the number of cancer patients who could benefit from immunotherapies. Via Nature Communications, April 2014. (credit:caracterdesign via Getty Images)

A Walking School Bus(11 of17)

This year, the Canadian Cancer Society developed "Trottibus," a network that walks children to school instead of having them ride the bus, in Quebec. The initiative is meant to increase physical activity to help prevent the development of disease like cancer.

Testing For Radon Can Save Lives(12 of17)

"Radon, a colourless and odourless gas emitted through soil, is believed to be responsible for 16 per cent of lung cancer deaths in the country each year .. It's estimated that 3,000 Canadians die from lung cancer caused by radon annually." (credit:National Cancer Institute via Getty Images)

We Need To Stand Up More(13 of17)

This year, evidence was found that showed an increased risk for colon and endometrial cancers with every increase of two hours of sitting per day, reported Scientific American. Moreover, it didn't matter how active the people were outside of those hours of sitting — the risk remained the same regardless. (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Calories Coming To Menus Could Halt Obesity(14 of17)

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews hopes to pass a proposed law that would see chain restaurants include calories on their menus in order to help the public make more informed choices with their food, reported The Star. The correlation between obesity and disease — including heart problems and cancer — is well-established. (credit:Hero Images via Getty Images)

Manitoba To Ban Indoor Tanning For Minors(15 of17)

The most recent province to ban children under 18 from using tanning beds, Manitoba's new law is expected to come into play in the spring, according to Global News. Anyone who exposes themselves to UV lights even once before the age of 35 can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, Cancer Care Manitoba's Elizabeth Harland told the network. (credit:Santje09 via Getty Images)

Getting Rid Of Tobacco For Minors(16 of17)

Ontario lawmakers are pushing for a bill that bans menthol and flavoured tobacco, as well as preventing the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. It's been found that 30 per cent of youth smokers prefer menthol, and public health researchers argue the ban could potentially keep younger smokers from even starting the habit. (credit:KIVILCIM PINAR via Getty Images)

HPV Vaccines For Boys?(17 of17)

While girls 9 to 13 currently receive a free HPV vaccination, MP Peter Kent said he would ask relevant members of the Conservative Party to consider funding vaccines for boys as well as a means to prevent cancer. (credit:dina2001 via Getty Images)

Related

andrea swift cancer living Taylor Swift taylor swift mom cancer Taylor Swift mother andrea

Suggest a correction

-- This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.

From Our Partner