The woman who once ran down Californian beaches in slow motion, captivating millions of viewers worldwide, is now teaching us something far more important than how to look good in a red swimsuit.
In this article
Nicole Eggert's recent public appearance following her second mastectomy has sparked conversations that go well beyond celebrity watching—it's about the reality of breast cancer, the power of early detection, and the strength that comes from facing life's toughest challenges head-on.
The latest chapter in a remarkable story
Nicole Eggert was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast in December 2023, initially thinking the symptoms were menopause-related after gaining 25 lbs and experiencing 'terrible pain' in her left breast. She subsequently underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
The 53-year-old actress was spotted in Burbank, California, just days after revealing on Instagram that she'd undergone her second mastectomy with reconstruction.
Looking understandably different from her glamorous Baywatch days, Eggert was doing something completely ordinary—grocery shopping—yet her simple act of getting on with life speaks volumes about her determination.
This wasn't her first surgery. After receiving her diagnosis, Eggert underwent a mastectomy and completed chemotherapy earlier this year before recently starting radiation therapy.
Her decision to share her journey publicly has provided a window into the realities of cancer treatment that many Australian women will recognise.
'Having a young daughter and having this project has been a great motivation for me to not just sit and think about my health and my wellbeing'
From child star to household name
Nicole Elizabeth Eggert was born on January 13, 1972, and is best known for her roles as Jamie Powell on Charles in Charge and Summer Quinn on Baywatch.
Her journey to stardom began early—her quest for stardom started when her mother entered her in beauty contests, and at age five, she was Miss Universe in the petite division before an agent offered her a role in a Johnson's baby shampoo commercial.
She starred as one of the many lifeguards on seasons three and four of the syndicated series Baywatch, appearing from 1992 to 1994, and was originally supposed to be on a Baywatch spin-off. The show wasn't always as glamorous as it appeared.
While the weather appeared idyllic, Eggert told Fox News Digital that she and her co-stars frequently endured frigid temperatures during filming, saying 'The cold days you have — the bad always outweighs the good... But the cold days, the freezing days, the days getting rained out and you have to be in the ocean — you're going, 'What did I sign up for?''
Understanding her diagnosis: what is cribriform carcinoma?
What is Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma?
Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare type of invasive breast cancer.
Cribriform breast cancer metastasises or spreads to lymph nodes under the arm less frequently than other forms, and as a result, the outlook for cribriform breast cancer is usually favourable.
This means that 90 per cent to 100 per cent of those with this form of breast cancer will survive for at least 10 years after diagnosis.
While any cancer diagnosis is frightening, Nicole's specific type offers more hope than many others.
ICC is a rare histological subtype of breast cancer with unique characteristics that lead to a good prognosis, and as a special type of breast cancer, has its unique clinicopathological and immunophenotypic characteristics, leading to a good prognosis.
For Australian women, understanding these distinctions matters. The relative five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Australia is 92 per cent, with Stage 1 early breast cancer having a 100 per cent five-year survival rate and Stage 2 having a 95 per cent survival rate.
For locally advanced cancers (Stage 3), the survival rate is 81 per cent.
The importance of early detection
Nicole's experience reinforces a crucial message for Australian women, particularly those over 50. Her cancer was discovered through self-examination—she noticed pain and a lump.
'Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular self breast examination is very important,' says Dr Cindy Mak, Director of Breast Services at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.
However, the evidence on self-examination is nuanced. While there is evidence that women can find breast changes due to early breast cancer, there is no evidence to promote the use of any one self-examination technique over another.
Research has not shown a clear benefit of regular physical breast exams done by either a health professional or by women themselves when women also get screening mammograms, as there is very little evidence that these tests help find breast cancer early when women also get screening mammograms.
What Australian women need to know
BreastScreen Australia is the national breast screening program that actively invites women aged 50-74 to have a free mammogram every two years, with women aged 40-49 and those over 74 also eligible to receive a free mammogram, but without receiving an invitation.
The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7, with about 80 per cent of breast cancer cases occurring in women over 50, though breast cancer still occurs in young women, with close to 1,000 women under 40 projected to be diagnosed with the disease.
Early Detection Key Takeaways
- Breast screening saves lives and is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much better, as early detection is the best way to improve survival
- A mammogram every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early and improve survival, with appointments available at more than 600 BreastScreen Australia clinics nationwide by phoning 13 20 50
- Self-breast examinations could increase the chances of early detection and diagnosis, with results showing that early detection leads to increased survival rates
- If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don't panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous
Her treatment journey and recovery
Nicole's treatment path illustrates the complexity of modern breast cancer care. While producing Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, Eggert was facing a major health crisis after being diagnosed with Stage 2 cribriform carcinoma.
She said that working on the docuseries and raising her 12-year-old daughter Keegan have motivated her in her cancer battle, explaining 'Having a young daughter and having this project has been a great motivation for me to not just sit and think about my health and my wellbeing... It's giving me purpose. It's keeping me driven every day. I think the timing of life is always for a reason.'
The decision-making around her surgeries shows how treatment is personalised. Her doctor initially advised a single mastectomy rather than the double procedure she wanted, explaining the reasoning: keeping her immune system stronger for continued treatment and reducing infection risks.
Support from her Baywatch family
One heartwarming aspect of Nicole's journey has been the support from her former co-stars.
While speaking with Fox News Digital, Eggert shared that her Baywatch co-stars had extended their support during her health struggles, noting she was 'in the middle of shooting Baywatch: Moment in the Sun while undergoing treatment. Many of them have been extremely supportive and reached out, including Alexandra Paul, Brande Roderick, Gina Lee, Erika Eleniak, and David Chokachi, who 'really kind of check on me and make sure I'm OK. And it's lovely.'
Resources for Australian women
For Australian women facing similar challenges, support is available:
- BreastScreen Australia: Call 13 20 50 for free mammograms
- Cancer Council: 13 11 20 for information and support
- National Breast Cancer Foundation: nbcf.org.au for resources and research updates
- Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA): bcna.org.au for peer support and information
Did you know?
Did you know?
Encore is an exercise program (based around land and pool exercises) designed specifically for women who have experienced mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery at any time in their lives.
Looking forward with hope
Nicole's story isn't just about illness—it's about resilience. The actress reflected on the advice she would give her younger self: 'I would tell my younger self to not be so scared of life — to just really go out and enjoy things more... I spent so many years just scared and holding things in and covering up for things and pretending like everything was okay. And you don't have to do that... It feels so good to face the darkness and bring that darkness into light and just enjoy yourself. It's not that serious.'
Her openness about her diagnosis serves as a reminder that cancer doesn't discriminate, but early detection and modern treatment offer genuine hope. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 76 per cent to 92 per cent thanks largely to research.
What This Means For You
Nicole Eggert's transformation from 1990s pin-up to cancer advocate offers our readers something more valuable than nostalgia—it's a reminder that taking charge of our health is one of the most important things we can do. Whether it's booking that overdue mammogram, learning proper breast self-awareness, or simply being more attuned to changes in our bodies, her journey shows that facing health challenges with courage and the right support can lead to positive outcomes.
Have you kept up with your breast screening appointments? What support systems do you have in place for managing health concerns? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story might just encourage someone else to take that important step towards early detection.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowb...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Nicole Eggert—Wikipedia
Cited text: In December 2023, Eggert was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast. She initially thought the symptoms were menopause-rel...
Excerpt: Nicole Eggert was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast in December 2023, initially thinking the symptoms were menopause-related after gaining 25 lbs and experiencing 'terrible pain' in her left breast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Eggert
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: After receiving her diagnosis, Eggert underwent a mastectomy. The actress completed chemotherapy earlier this year and recently started her radiation ...
Excerpt: After receiving her diagnosis, Eggert underwent a mastectomy and completed chemotherapy earlier this year before recently starting radiation therapy.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Nicole Eggert—Wikipedia
Cited text: Nicole Elizabeth Eggert (born January 13, 1972) is an American actor. Her notable roles include Jamie Powell on the situation comedy Charles in Charge...
Excerpt: Nicole Elizabeth Eggert was born on January 13, 1972, and is best known for her roles as Jamie Powell on Charles in Charge and Summer Quinn on Baywatch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Eggert
Nicole Eggert—Wikipedia
Cited text: Eggert's quest for stardom started when her mother entered her in beauty contests. At age five, Eggert was Miss Universe in the petite division. An ag...
Excerpt: her quest for stardom started when her mother entered her in beauty contests, and at age five, she was Miss Universe in the petite division before an agent offered her a role in a Johnson's baby shampoo commercial.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Eggert
Nicole Eggert—Wikipedia
Cited text: She was featured as one of the many lifeguards on seasons three and four on the syndicated series Baywatch. She appeared on the series from 1992 to 19...
Excerpt: She starred as one of the many lifeguards on seasons three and four of the syndicated series Baywatch, appearing from 1992 to 1994, and was originally supposed to be on a Baywatch spin-off.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Eggert
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: While the weather on 'Baywatch' appeared idyllic, Eggert, 52, told Fox News Digital that in reality, she and her co-stars frequently endured frigid te...
Excerpt: While the weather appeared idyllic, Eggert told Fox News Digital that she and her co-stars frequently endured frigid temperatures during filming, saying 'The cold days you have — the bad always outweighs the good...
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast: a clinicopathological analysis of 12 cases with review of literature—PMC
Cited text: Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare type of invasive breast cancer.
Excerpt: Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare type of invasive breast cancer.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6965980/
Cribriform breast cancer: Grading and types
Cited text: Cribriform breast cancer metastasizes or spreads to lymph nodes under the arm less frequently than other forms. As a result, the outlook for cribrifor...
Excerpt: Cribriform breast cancer metastasises or spreads to lymph nodes under the arm less frequently than other forms, and as a result, the outlook for cribriform breast cancer is usually favourable.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319703
Cribriform breast cancer: Grading and types
Cited text: This means that 90 per cent to 100 per cent of those with this form of breast cancer will survive for at least 10 years after diagnosis.
Excerpt: This means that 90 per cent to 100 per cent of those with this form of breast cancer will survive for at least 10 years after diagnosis.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319703
Invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast: a clinicopathological analysis of 12 cases with review of literature—PMC
Cited text: ICC is a rare histological subtype of breast cancer, with its unique characteristics, leading to a good prognosis.
Excerpt: ICC is a rare histological subtype of breast cancer with unique characteristics that lead to a good prognosis, and as a special type of breast cancer, has its unique clinicopathological and immunophenotypic characteristics, leading to a…
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6965980/
Invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast: a clinicopathological analysis of 12 cases with review of literature—PMC
Cited text: In conclusion, ICC, as a special type of breast cancer, has its unique clinicopathological and immunophenotypic characteristics, leading to a good pro...
Excerpt: ICC is a rare histological subtype of breast cancer with unique characteristics that lead to a good prognosis, and as a special type of breast cancer, has its unique clinicopathological and immunophenotypic characteristics, leading to a…
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6965980/
Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
Cited text: The relative five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 92 per cent.
Excerpt: The relative five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Australia is 92 per cent, with Stage 1 early breast cancer having a 100 per cent five-year survival rate and Stage 2 having a 95 per cent survival rate.
https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
Cited text: The five-year survival rate for Stage 1 (early) breast cancer is, on average, 100 per cent and Stage 2 is 95 per cent. For locally advanced cancers (known as Stage 3)...
Excerpt: The relative five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Australia is 92 per cent, with Stage 1 early breast cancer having a 100 per cent five-year survival rate and Stage 2 having a 95 per cent survival rate.
https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
Resources—Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
Cited text: “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular self breast examination is very important....
Excerpt: 'Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular self breast examination is very important,' says Dr Cindy Mak, Director of Breast Services at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.
https://www.sbcf.org.au/resources/
Early detection of breast cancer | Cancer Australia
Cited text: In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group concluded that there was inadequate evidence that breast self-examination...
Excerpt: While there is evidence that women can find breast changes due to early breast cancer, there is no evidence to promote the use of any one self-examination technique over another.
https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/early-detection-breast-cancer
ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society
Cited text: Research has not shown a clear benefit of regular physical breast exams done by either a health professional (clinical breast exams) or by women thems...
Excerpt: Research has not shown a clear benefit of regular physical breast exams done by either a health professional or by women themselves when women also get screening mammograms, as there is very little evidence that these tests help find…
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types...for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html
Breast cancer screening | Cancer Council
Cited text: BreastScreen Australia is the national breast screening program and actively invites women aged 50—74 to have a free mammogram every two years. Women ...
Excerpt: BreastScreen Australia is the national breast screening program that actively invites women aged 50-74 to have a free mammogram every two years, with women aged 40-49 and those over 74 also eligible to receive a free mammogram, but without…
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-in...tection-and-screening/breast-cancer-screening
Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
Cited text: The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7.
Excerpt: The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7, with about 80 per cent of breast cancer cases occurring in women over 50, though breast cancer still occurs in young women, with close to 1,000 women under 40…
https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
Cited text: The majority of breast cancer cases, about 80 per cent, occur in women over the age of 50. But breast cancer still occurs in young women, with close to 1,000 ...
Excerpt: The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7, with about 80 per cent of breast cancer cases occurring in women over 50, though breast cancer still occurs in young women, with close to 1,000 women under 40…
https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
Breast cancer screening | Cancer Council
Cited text: Breast screening saves lives. Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much ...
Excerpt: Breast screening saves lives and is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer, meaning treatment outcomes are much better, as early detection is the best way to improve survival
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-in...tection-and-screening/breast-cancer-screening
Breast cancer screening | Cancer Council
Cited text: A mammogram every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early and improve survival. To make an appointment at one of more than 600 BreastS...
Excerpt: A mammogram every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early and improve survival, with appointments available at more than 600 BreastScreen Australia clinics nationwide by phoning 13 20 50
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-in...tection-and-screening/breast-cancer-screening
Resources—Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
Cited text: Self-breast examinations could increase the chances of early detection and diagnosis, and results have shown that such early detection leads to an inc...
Excerpt: Self-breast examinations could increase the chances of early detection and diagnosis, with results showing that early detection leads to increased survival rates
https://www.sbcf.org.au/resources/
Resources—Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
Cited text: Early detection is the best prevention.
Excerpt: Self-breast examinations could increase the chances of early detection and diagnosis, with results showing that early detection leads to increased survival rates
https://www.sbcf.org.au/resources/
Breast Self-Exam—National Breast Cancer Foundation
Cited text: If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous.
Excerpt: If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don't panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: While producing 'Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,' Eggert was facing a major health crisis after being diagnosed with Stage 2 cribriform carcinoma ... In ...
Excerpt: While producing 'Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,' Eggert was facing a major health crisis after being diagnosed with Stage 2 cribriform carcinoma.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: While speaking with Fox News Digital, Eggert shared that her 'Baywatch' co-stars had extended their support during her health struggles. She noted tha...
Excerpt: While speaking with Fox News Digital, Eggert shared that her 'Baywatch' co-stars had extended their support during her health struggles, noting she was 'in the middle of shooting 'Baywatch: Moment in the Sun' while undergoing treatment.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: And, yes, many of them have been extremely supportive and reached out. Alexandra Paul, Brande Roderick, Gina Lee, Erika Eleniak .
Excerpt: While speaking with Fox News Digital, Eggert shared that her 'Baywatch' co-stars had extended their support during her health struggles, noting she was 'in the middle of shooting 'Baywatch: Moment in the Sun' while undergoing treatment.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | FOX 10 Phoenix
Cited text: David Chokachi, these are people that really kind of check on me and make sure I'm OK. And it's lovely.'
Excerpt: While speaking with Fox News Digital, Eggert shared that her 'Baywatch' co-stars had extended their support during her health struggles, noting she was 'in the middle of shooting 'Baywatch: Moment in the Sun' while undergoing treatment.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/nicole-eggert-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared-be
Resources—Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
Cited text: Encore is an exercise program (based around land and pool exercises) designed specifically for women who have experienced mastectomy, lumpectomy or br...
Excerpt: Encore is an exercise program (based around land and pool exercises) designed specifically for women who have experienced mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery at any time in their lives.
https://www.sbcf.org.au/resources/
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | Fox News
Cited text: (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) The actress also reflected on the advice that she would give her younger self. 'I would tell my younger self...
Excerpt: The actress reflected on the advice she would give her younger self: 'I would tell my younger self to not be so scared of life — to just really go out and enjoy things more...
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicole-eggert-admits-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared
Nicole Eggert admits 'Baywatch' wasn't the glamorous job it appeared to be | Fox News
Cited text: · She continued, 'I spent so many years just scared and holding things in and covering up for things and pretending like everything was okay. And you ...
Excerpt: The actress reflected on the advice she would give her younger self: 'I would tell my younger self to not be so scared of life — to just really go out and enjoy things more...
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicole-eggert-admits-baywatch-wasnt-glamorous-job-appeared
Breast Cancer Statistics in Australia | NBCF
Cited text: The five-year survival rate has increased from 76 per cent to 92 per cent—and I am one the survival statistics here today—thanks largely to research.
Excerpt: The five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 76 per cent to 92 per cent thanks largely to research.
https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/
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