In a heartfelt interview with Inside Edition, Nicole Eggert, the iconic Baywatch star, recently opened up about her battle with breast cancer, shedding light on a side of her life that has remained mostly hidden from the public eye. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-exams and the consequences of life-altering choices.

Last month, Nicole Eggert bravely shared her stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis with the world. However, in this new interview, she delves even deeper, disclosing the discovery of cancer in her lymph nodes, adding another layer of complexity to her fight against this relentless disease.

Eggert’s journey takes a unique twist as she reflects on her past decisions, particularly the choice to undergo breast implant surgery at the age of 19 while starring in the beloved lifeguard drama, Baywatch. She candidly admits that these implants, which were initially motivated by societal pressures and her iconic role as Summer Quinn, may have hindered her ability to detect the cancer earlier. In her own words, “Getting them was a huge mistake.”

In the world of showbiz, where appearances often take precedence, Eggert’s choice to enhance her figure was influenced by the relentless pressure to conform to a certain image. She recalls wearing a “flattening” red bathing suit, a symbol of her character’s allure, and the weight of expectations that came with it. Her decision to undergo breast augmentation was made without fully considering the long-term consequences.

Eggert’s journey of pain began last fall when she experienced severe discomfort in her left breast. Despite her efforts, securing a timely medical appointment proved to be an ordeal due to high demand. In her own words, “Nobody could take me, so I walked into every breast care center.” The agonizing wait only added to her fear, knowing that every day counted.

Throughout her battle, Eggert has been touched by the outpouring of love and support from friends and well-wishers. A GoFundMe campaign launched by her friend, Mindy Molinary, has raised over $38,000 to help her cover medical expenses. In a touching display of gratitude, Eggert expressed her desire to find a way to give back to those facing similar challenges, emphasizing that not everyone is as fortunate.

As Eggert’s journey continues, she reminds us all of the importance of self-examination and early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Her story serves as a poignant example of how choices made in the past can impact our health and the challenges one faces when battling this formidable foe.

Nicole Eggert’s complete interview with Inside Edition airs on Thursday, Feb. 1. For local listings and to watch her courageous journey unfold, visit their website.

In the world of Baywatch and Hollywood, where image is often paramount, Eggert’s revelation underscores the need for a deeper conversation about the pressures faced by those in the public eye. It is a conversation that goes beyond the glitz and glamour, delving into the human struggles that often remain hidden behind the scenes.