Mama June Opens Up About Cancer Scare Following Daughter's Tragic Passing
Reality television personality June "Mama June" Shannon has revealed she experienced a significant cancer scare nearly two years after the devastating loss of her daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell to cancer. The 46-year-old McIntyre, Georgia native shared these deeply personal health details during an appearance on Page Six's Virtual Reali-Tea podcast.
Unexpected Medical Procedure
"I had a total hysterectomy unexpectedly last year - last April - it was not expected," Mama June disclosed to the podcast audience. "It was a scare for me." The reality star explained that the medical situation developed from fibroid cysts that transformed into separate cysts, prompting serious concern among her medical team.
Mama June admitted that her daughter's cancer battle heavily influenced her fears during this health scare. "Me, in my mind, going what Anna went through, I was worried it was going to be ovarian cancer," she confessed, referencing the traumatic experience of watching her daughter fight the disease.
Family Support During Difficult Times
The podcast appearance featured Mama June alongside her daughters Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon, 29; Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, 26; and Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, 20. The family was promoting the eighth season of their We TV series, Mama June: From Not to Hot, which premieres on March 13.
During the conversation, the family reflected on their continuing grief over Chickadee's passing. Anna Cardwell died at age 29 on December 9, 2023, approximately ten months after receiving a stage four adrenal carcinoma diagnosis. Mama June described this loss as "one of the hardest things that I've ever went through - ever, in my whole, entire life - even outside of drug addiction."
Ongoing Health Challenges
Mama June revealed that she continues to deal with separate medical issues unrelated to her cancer scare. While acknowledging that "some days are a struggle," she emphasized that these challenges are "nothing like" battling cancer itself. The reality star expressed concern about how her ongoing health condition, related to the end of her menstrual periods, could potentially impact her daily life if it worsens.
"I tell people, 'We know it's not ever gonna kill me, but it could immobilize me,'" Mama June explained about her current health situation.
Family's Continuing Grief
Daughter Pumpkin shared how the family continues to mourn Chickadee's absence in their daily lives. "I still catch myself sometimes late at night, like if I'm scrolling TikTok, going to Anna's page and watching her old videos with the kids," Pumpkin revealed. She added that "some days are better than others" as they navigate life without their sister.
The family finds particular comfort and connection through music that reminds them of Chickadee. They mentioned how the 2023 Warren Zeiders song "Pretty Little Poison" was played at Chickadee's funeral and continues to evoke memories when they hear it in their daily routines.
Public Grieving and Remembrance
Mama June has been open about her grieving process on social media, particularly around significant anniversaries. On the two-year mark of Chickadee's passing, she shared with fans that "just 'cause I'm not on here boo-hooing doesn't mean I don't have bad days - don't mean I'm not a emotional wreck half the damn time."
Following Chickadee's death, Mama June released a statement on Instagram noting that her daughter had died "with her family around her" after "she gave one hell of a fight for 10 months" against the aggressive cancer. The family's journey through grief, health challenges, and public life continues as they prepare for their reality show's new season while honoring Chickadee's memory.
