Nivea Reveals Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis as Treatment Continues

R&B singer Nivea B. Hamilton, known professionally as Nivea, has disclosed that she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in early 2026 and is undergoing treatment.

The 44-year-old artist first discussed the diagnosis during the July 21 episode of Cadillac Chronicles, an interview and performance series hosted by Brian Freeman.

Two days later, a representative provided additional information identifying her condition as chronic myeloid leukemia, commonly called CML. According to Nivea’s detailed health update, her treatment has been working, and she remains able to care for her children, study audio engineering, and return to music.

Nivea Disclosed the Diagnosis During an Interview

Freeman asked Nivea what she was most thankful for during their recorded drive. The singer responded by revealing that she had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier in the year.

Nivea said she had already begun treatment and that everything was progressing well. She also explained that the experience had changed her priorities and strengthened her appreciation for daily life.

“It just helped me put a lot of things in perspective,” she said, explaining that she now tries to live with a consistent sense of gratitude.

The initial interview did not identify the type of leukemia, the exact date doctors confirmed it, or the treatment she was receiving. Those omissions were significant because leukemia includes several cancers with different rates of progression, treatment options, and long-term outlooks.

The original report from Syracuse.com documented her disclosure shortly after the interview became public.

Latest Update Identifies Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

In a July 23 statement, Nivea identified her diagnosis as chronic myeloid leukemia. She said doctors confirmed the disease after two bone marrow biopsy procedures because the first procedure was unsuccessful.

Nivea also said the leukemia was not in blast phase, an advanced stage in which immature blood cells increase rapidly. She expressed relief that chemotherapy was not required as part of her treatment at that point.

The singer has not disclosed the medication she is taking, the hospital overseeing her care or a detailed prognosis. She said doctors told her the condition was neither hereditary nor caused by a lifestyle decision. She described that information as reassuring but puzzling, adding that treatment so far was working.

No independent medical records have been released. The available information about Nivea’s health comes from the singer and her representative.

What Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Means

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a cancer that begins in blood-forming cells inside the bone marrow. It is commonly associated with the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene, which produces an abnormal protein that encourages leukemia cells to multiply.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, genetic analysis and, in some cases, examination of bone marrow. The National Cancer Institute’s clinical overview explains that CML can progress through chronic, accelerated and blast phases.

Treatment depends on the phase of the disease, molecular test results and how well the patient responds. For chronic-phase CML, targeted medications known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors are among the main treatment options. Chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation may be considered in certain advanced or treatment-resistant cases.

The institute’s patient treatment guide also notes that people receiving treatment generally undergo repeated blood and molecular tests. Those tests help doctors determine whether the number of leukemia cells is falling and whether medication should be adjusted.

General treatment guidance should not be interpreted as confirmation of Nivea’s personal medical plan. She has said only that her treatment is continuing and producing positive results.

Diagnosis Comes as Nivea Returns to Music

Nivea emerged during the early 2000s, initially attracting wider attention through her appearance on Mystikal’s “Danger (Been So Long).” Her solo catalogue later included “Laundromat,” “Okay” and “Don’t Mess With My Man,” according to her AllMusic artist biography.

“Don’t Mess With My Man,” recorded with Jagged Edge singer Brandon Casey, earned a nomination for best R&B performance by a duo or group at the 2003 Grammy Awards. Nivea’s official Grammy profile lists the nomination among her career achievements.

During Cadillac Chronicles, Nivea said she had begun working on music again while attending school for audio engineering, with a particular interest in mixing. She has not announced an album title, release date or formal recording project.

What Happens Next

Nivea is expected to continue treatment and medical monitoring, although she has not publicly described the next stage of her care. Regular testing will help her medical team track how the leukemia responds and determine whether her treatment needs to change.

For now, the singer says she is concentrating on her health, children, education and creative work. Her July 23 statement remains the most detailed public account of her condition.