Struggling With Cervical Cancer, Miss Universe Contestant, 31, Says She Was Scared To Publicly Reveal Diagnosis

Talking About Your Diagnosi

• Chilean model Daniela Nicholás, 31, who competed at Miss Universe 2020, has revealed why she kept her cervical cancer battle a secret for months and what led her to speak out.
• Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik tells SurvivorNet that there is no “one right way” to seek support while coping with a diagnosis. She adds some people are comfortable talking openly about their diagnosis, while others prefer to keep it private, and both approaches are normal.
• She encourages those close to a person going through cancer to be respectful of their wishes when it comes to how they are comfortable seeking support.
• Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the womb (uterus). It usually develops slowly, however, before cancer presents itself. Vaginal bleeding or pelvic pains are common symptoms.
• More than 70% of cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, are preventable in people who get the HPV vaccine that is recommended for all preteens (both girls and boys) 11 to 12 years old.

Chilean actress and model Daniela Nicholás, 31, who represented Chile while competing for the title of Miss Universe 2020, has admitted to keeping her cervical cancer battle a secret for months—a diagnosis she's been struggling to cope with. The former Miss Universe contestant and founder of Zibba Beauty recently opened up to her Instagram followers in a video clip, according to the Daily Mail , telling her fans, 'I didn't want it to be known. I have not been having a very good time the last few months." Nicolás, who works as a TV host, actress, and makeup artist, is seen in the social media footage , obtained by the Daily Mail via Jam Press, saying, "I didn't want to share it with you because I didn't feel ready. "I do not feel prepared to talk about this topic." She explained further, "It has been a difficult few months, a little chaotic, a little distressing, and before talking with you, I first had to be okay, and I really wasn't." As for why she chose to open up about her diagnosis, she said, "If this is going to be known, I'd prefer it if it came from a responsible side. This is why I'm talking about it now - it's not because I didn't want to. "I have been resisting for a long time, but it was because I didn't want it to be common knowledge. I wanted to keep it among my friends and family." More information on Nicolás' diagnosis is unknown as the model didn't offer any more details. However, she did reveal she has been getting treatment over the past few months, according to the Daily Mail. She also noted that she was preparing for a consultation with her doctor and requested well wishes from her fans. We're delighted Nicolás mustered up the courage to talk about her diagnosis, but it's important to remember to do what's best for you when deciding to tell others about a health issue you may be dealing with.

Deciding On Sharing or Not to Sharing Your Cancer Diagnosis

“People should do what feels right to them,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik previously told SurvivorNet. It takes time to cope with a diagnosis, and part of that process includes how to talk to other people about what you are going through. Some people are more open about their diagnosis for reasons that may include showing others battling cancer that they are not alone. However, other people prefer to keep their diagnosis close to the vest to avoid unwanted judgment from others. RELATED: Check Out SurvivorNet’s Resources on Mental Health WATCH: Sharing details about your cancer diagnosis. “Going through a cancer diagnosis, through treatment, is often a very long process. And then, if you include after treatment ends where a person is in a kind of limbo, waiting to see if they are clear and get their scans. It may be three months or six months into the future. People are still dealing with uncertainty at that point."

Tips For Coping with an Emotional Diagnosis

When you are diagnosed with cancer, feelings of fear and anxiety are completely normal. SurvivorNet experts recommend four tips for women diagnosed with cancer to better cope with their emotions during this difficult stage of the journey.

• Let your family and close friends know and let them help. After a diagnosis, you’re often faced with a ton of emotions and need help. It would be best if you encouraged people close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
• Keep a journal. Many cancer warriors have shared with SurvivorNet that keeping a journal is an effective tool for acknowledging your feelings and emotions.
• Join a cancer support group. There is a good chance someone else is facing what you are facing or has been through this emotional leg of the journey before. Support groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you about what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
• Seek professional help from a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than bottling them inside can be therapeutic.

Expert Advice For Coping With Cancer

• Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Living With Cancer: Coping With Hair Loss & the Anxiety it Brings
• Cancer Support Groups Aren’t for Everyone — We All Have Our Own Way of Coping
• How to Be Realistically Optimistic: Coping With Mental Health Long-Term
• SN & You Presents Mental Health: Coping With Emotions

WATCH: Maintaining a Positive Headspace

Helping You Better Understand Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer forms in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which connects the uterus to the vagina, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). “Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue,” the NCI explains. RELATED: Young and Worried About Cancer? The Five Things You Shouldn’t Do (And What Doctors Recommend) “Over time, if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.” While symptoms tend to be difficult to detect during cervical cancer’s early stages, some signs can still indicate something is amiss and needs a closer look. The NCI explains that symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer may include:

• vaginal bleeding after sex
• vaginal bleeding after menopause
• vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
• vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
• pelvic pain or pain during sex

A Common Cause

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, and more than 70% of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 90% of HPV-related cancers , including cervical cancer, are preventable in people who get the HPV vaccine that is recommended for all preteens (both girls and boys) 11 to 12 years old in two doses administered between six and 12 months apart. The shots can also be started as early as nine years old. “The key with the vaccine is that you received the vaccine before you ever reach sexual debut or have sexual encounters. So that’s why these vaccines are approved for young children ages 9, 10, 11 years old, up to 26,” Dr. Jessica Geiger , a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer, told SurvivorNet. Finding the Support You Need to Heal During Cancer Treatment The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer screenings begin at age 25, and HPV screening is recommended every five years after that.

The Importance of Pap Smears

Pap smears are one way to detect cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer. This is an important procedure because symptoms of cervical cancer might show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4. By helping doctors catch signs of the disease early, Pap smears can lead to broader and more effective treatment options. Be Pushy, Be Your Advocate, Says Leading Expert One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer, and there are usually no early signs or symptoms of the disease. However, cervical cancer can be detected through regular check-ups, such as pap smears. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. “If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test,” the CDC explains. Meanwhile, anyone between 20 and 65 years old is urged to speak with their doctor on which testing option is best for them. The CDC explains, “An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. “An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test." Cancer Research Legend Urges Patients to Get Multiple Opinions For women older than age 65, the CDC says your doctor may suggest you don’t need further screenings if: “You have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years, and the test results were normal or negative, and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.”

Understanding HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is “a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex,” the National Cancer Institute says. HPV infection is linked to multiple cancers, and the majority of sexually active people will get the disease at some point in their lives. Although nearly all cases of cervical cancer are indeed caused by HPV, people should also be aware that HPV puts both men and women at risk of developing several other cancers, such as oral cancer and cancers of the vagina, penis, anus, and throat. Overall, HPV is believed to be the cause of 90% of anal and cervical cancers, approximately 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers. “There are no screening guidelines to screen for throat cancer, unlike cervical cancer with pap smears,” says Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet. “There are no standard tests to determine if you harbor the virus.” On the plus side, HPV-related throat cancers are generally very responsive to a combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, according to Dr. Geiger. “The cure rates for people who have HPV-related disease are a lot higher than those who have tobacco-related throat cancer,” she said. WATCH: HPV’s link to cancer. Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff