Former 'Dance Moms' Star Kelly Hyland Opens Up About Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Surprising Revelation

Dance Moms Kelly Hyland Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Paige Hyland, Kelly Hyland and Brooke Hyland Bonnie Biess/Getty Images

Less than a month after appearing on the Dance Moms reunion special, Kelly Hyland shared some news with her fans. She announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In an interview with E! News on May 29, the 53-year-old former Lifetime star revealed that her first sign something was wrong was a significant weight loss. Others noticed the change and would ask her for diet tips, even though she hadn't made any changes to her daily routine.

Hyland discovered a lump in her breast and decided to schedule a mammogram in late March. She had a clean result from a mammogram eight months prior, but this time it showed a mass during the new mammogram and sonogram.

After a biopsy, the mass was confirmed to be malignant, and Hyland was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma grade 3. She shared the difficult news with her children Brooke, 26, Josh, 24, and Paige, 23, over a phone call. This conversation was especially tough for them all, considering her mother's passing from cancer in 2019. (Kelly co-parents her kids with ex-husband Randy Hyland.)

Brooke recently shared with E! News that she witnessed her Nana's battle with cancer for years, which made her realize that a tough journey lay ahead. She expressed her sadness at having to witness another loved one going through such a difficult time.

Kelly also mentioned that her former Dance Moms costars are fully informed about her situation and have been incredibly supportive. They have shown willingness to adjust filming schedules to accommodate her treatment and filming needs.

Dance Moms Kelly Hyland Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Courtesy of Paige Hyland/Instagram

Kelly, Brooke, and Paige were part of the cast of Dance Moms from 2011 to 2014, appearing in seasons 1 through 4. They decided to leave the show before season 4 ended due to conflicts between Kelly and dance coach Abby Lee Miller. Currently, Kelly cohosts the “Dear Dance Mom …” podcast with Melissa Gisoni, Holly Frazier, and Jill Vertes. Additionally, she hosts the “Back to the Barre” podcast with Christi Lukasiak.

Despite battling breast cancer, Kelly shared that the most challenging aspect for her has been accepting assistance from those around her. She mentioned, “I am a very independent person and, as a mom, I’m used to being the one taking care of people, not the one being taken care of.”

Kelly's sister Carrie Matarazzo has been her main caretaker, and her kids Paige and Brooke have also been a huge support. Together, Paige and Brooke collaborated with Pittsburgh's Serenity Wig Salon to create a custom wig for their mom.

Kelly expressed how both the salon and her daughters' presence during the process made her feel comfortable and more confident. Losing her hair has been a difficult thought for her. Currently undergoing her second out of six chemotherapy treatments, Kelly has been using a scalp cooling cap to help prevent hair loss. After her chemotherapy, she will have 11 more treatments, followed by radiation and surgery.

Dance Moms Kelly Hyland Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Dance Moms/YouTube

Paige expressed admiration for her mother's strength, stating, "This year will be tough, but I believe my mom has what it takes to beat cancer!"

Following the article's repost on social media, Kelly received an outpouring of support from fans, celebrities, and Dance Moms stars. Gisoni, 55, wrote, "We love you and believe in you! Stay strong!" Christi, 47, commented, "You have our love and support always. We're here for you."

Editor's P/S:

Kelly Hyland's diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the Dance Moms community and beyond. Her courage and determination in facing this challenge is an inspiration to all. The support she has received from her family, friends, and former castmates is a testament to the unbreakable bonds formed during their time on the show. This diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ups and the need to be vigilant in detecting any changes in our bodies.

It is important to acknowledge the emotional toll that cancer can take on not only the patient but also their loved ones. Paige and Brooke Hyland's experience witnessing their grandmother's battle with cancer adds a profound layer of understanding and empathy to their support for their mother. Their involvement in creating a custom wig for Kelly speaks volumes about their love and desire to make her feel comfortable and confident during this difficult time. The strength and resilience displayed by Kelly and her family is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can prevail.