Twitch streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys recently underwent testing for breast cancer, and although the results were negative, she is encouraging her fans to get regular check-ups.
Pokimane is mainly a Twitch streamer, but she regularly posts life updates and daily vlogs for her 6.62 million subscribers on YouTube. So, when she posted her most recent video titled “I had a health scare,” fans were naturally concerned. In a 12-minute video, the streamer revealed that she has been undergoing various tests and screenings over the past two months due to a lump in her chest. Pokimane shared that the past few weeks had been “overwhelming,” with a constant stream of medical tests, MRIs, and biopsies.
However, she’s relieved to report that the results came back clear, and she does not have breast cancer.
Pokimane found out about a lump in her chest after a routine MRI on other parts of her body, which was possibly an early sign of cancer. The doctor ordered an ultrasound when the MRI came out inconclusive. According to the streamer, at this point, she was convinced that “something was wrong with her,” especially since she was at a “high lifetime risk for breast cancer” due to her family history.
The ultrasound revealed that the lump she’d had removed a few years ago had grown back. However, the only way to determine whether it was cancerous or not was to perform a biopsy, a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for testing. Thankfully, the lump was benign, meaning she did not have cancer. The whole ordeal has left her feeling grateful to have the means to afford these tests.
Pokimane explained that she’s sharing her health scare to encourage others to take routine medical screenings seriously. She also noted that, during her own experience, she hadn’t seen many people share similar journeys and hopes that opening up about it will help others who may face the same situation.
“I wish I had seen someone go through these things and tell me what it would be like, and tell me that it will be okay, and tell me that it was standard procedure,” said Pokimane.
According to Pokimane, while breast cancer can’t always be prevented, regular screenings and being aware of family history can help detect it early and lower the risk.
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