Maite-Perroni-Telenovela-Star-for-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-MainPhoto
Maite-Perroni-Telenovela-Star-for-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-MainPhoto

Miguel Perez/Retna Ltd.

Mexico’s Maite Perroni is hailed by fans as “the telenovela queen,” but behind the headlines and chart topping songs, the 29-year-old soap opera actress and singer was fighting a private battle. Her mother, one of her biggest supporters, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.

“It was a very difficult moment for me and it really did have a huge impact on my life,” recalls Perroni. “It made me realize how important it is to live each moment and cherish those around you. You need to fill your life with lots of love and take care of your health always by taking responsibility of your body.”

In honor of her mother and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Perroni has teamed up with hair care brand Pantene for “Beautiful Lengths,” a hair donation program that, through the American Cancer Society, grants free wigs to women who’ve lost their hair to chemotheraphy. For Perroni, it was a way to encourage Latinas to become proactive with their health.

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“After going through this experience, it prompted me to spread this message of hope to other people,” says Perroni. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity because the solution is really in our hands. We can actively take care of our bodies and get the necessary checkups we, especially women, need, like mammograms. By getting exams on time, not only will you become more aware of your body, but you’ll also be able to detect cancer early and fight back on time.”

Hispanics are particularly at risk. Read the full article on FOX NEWS Latino.