Grammy-nominated singer Nivea revealed that she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in early 2026 after undergoing multiple bone marrow biopsies. She stated, “I was profoundly thankful that it wasn’t Blast [blastoma]… which would have meant chemotherapy as part of the treatment,” to PEOPLE.
She also shared the emotional relief she gained from learning that her cancer was not caused by anything she did: “Learning CML isn’t hereditary nor something ‘I did’ to cause it was a relief yet still a bit puzzling.”
Despite her diagnosis, she remains grounded in gratitude. She told PEOPLE, “Life for me has changed in various ways, but treatment thus far is working… I’m blessed with the ability to still do what I love — music, continue to mother my children, and learn new skills that fuel me.”
Her openness surrounding her diagnosis brings attention to a cancer that affects Black communities in unique and often inequitable ways.
What Is CML and Why It Matters
CML is a slow‑growing blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It happens when early white blood cells develop a mutation called BCR::ABL1, which causes them to grow uncontrollably.
Most people diagnosed with CML are older adults, with the typical age of diagnosis being around their mid‑60s. It is considered a chronic leukemia, meaning it grows more slowly and can often be managed for many years with treatment.
The Disparities: Higher Death Rates and Unequal Outcomes for Black Patients
Even though CML is now highly treatable, Black patients continue to face worse outcomes:
Higher mortality rates
CDC mortality data shows African Americans have higher death rates from CML than white Americans, even after lifesaving treatments became available.
- Black Americans’ mortality dropped from 0.7 to 0.35,
- White Americans saw a larger drop from 0.65 to 0.3.
Older Black adults face the highest risk.
Adults 85+ had an age‑adjusted mortality rate of 5.25 in 1999, decreasing only slightly to 4.7 by 2020, which is still significantly higher than other demographics.
Black women may respond differently to treatment.t
Early research suggests that African American women may have lower response rates to a common CML therapy, which could contribute to shorter survival. This potential treatment resistance highlights the need for more inclusive research that examines how CML therapies work across different racial and gender groups.
Access and structural barriers
The document highlights that Black Americans often receive treatment less often, due to:
- Distance from treatment centers
- Lack of insurance
- Delayed diagnosis
- Mistrust or avoidance of healthcare settings
These inequities mean Black patients may not benefit equally from modern CML therapies, even though the treatments themselves are highly effective.
Why Nivea’s Voice Matters
Even with highly effective treatments available, Black patients may not benefit equally from them because of delayed diagnosis, treatment gaps, and systemic barriers. Closing these gaps requires improving access to care, increasing representation in research, and developing interventions tailored to the needs of Black patients.
With Nivea speaking openly about her diagnosis, she is helping to raise awareness in a community that faces higher risks and worse outcomes for CML. Her message is rooted in resilience, gratitude, and ultimately serves as a reminder that early detection, equitable access, and culturally competent care are essential.
Sources:
Are Race and Ethnicity Risk Factors for Leukemia? | MyLeukemiaTeam
Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis at 44: ‘I’ve Been Going Through Treatment’
What is CML? | American Cancer Society