Monyetta Shaw-Carter, entrepreneur, mom, and beloved cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, is opening up about one of the most difficult experiences of her life — her battle with breast cancer.
The 45-year-old CEO of Keep It Classy Nails and former radio personality revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in November 2024, following a routine mammogram. What began as an indescribable sensation in her left breast during a self-check led to a life-altering discovery.
“It was obviously one of the hardest and scariest moments of my life,” Shaw-Carter told People, tearing up as she recalled the moment her doctor delivered the news. “Everything around me stopped. My heart dropped. I was afraid. I was angry. I was just numb.”
Early Detection Saved Her Life
Having had a benign biopsy ten years earlier, Shaw-Carter trusted her instincts when she noticed something wasn’t right in September. Her vigilance paid off: because the cancer was caught early, she underwent a lumpectomy in January 2025, followed by 16 rounds of radiation, which she completed on May 2.
“Because I caught the cancer early, I will be here for my kids,” she said. “There’s nothing more important than getting checked often and early to protect your future. Our health is irreplaceable.”
Now in remission, Shaw-Carter celebrated her 45th birthday on May 31 with a party where every guest was required to wear pink, the colour associated with breast cancer awareness. The dress code isn’t just festive—it’s symbolic of survival, strength, and community.
Leaning on Love
Shaw-Carter credits her husband, Heath Carter, and her supportive circle of friends and family for helping her through the journey. That includes her ex-fiancé NE-YO, the father of her two children, Madilyn (14) and Mason (13).
“NE-YO was just showing up for me in a major way,” she said. “He was like, ‘Oh, you’re gonna beat this.’”
Their conversation happened at a bowling alley during Maddie’s birthday, a moment she described as filled with emotion but also healing. Shaw-Carter is also a proud stepmother to Heath’s daughters, Gigi and Brianna.
Sisterhood and Support
Her Real Housewives of Atlanta co-stars have also shown unwavering support. Kandi Burruss was among the first to know:
“When I told Kandi, she immediately said, ‘Oh my gosh, what can I do?’ She sent the biggest flower arrangement—like her and my other friends are in competition!”
She also shared her diagnosis with Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, Shamea Morton, and Shereé Whitfield, each offering love and encouragement:
“Shereé gave me the kind of reaction where you know it hit home. She said, ‘I couldn’t imagine! Let me go check mine.’ That’s the kind of awareness we need.”
Sharing to Save Lives
Now cancer-free, Shaw-Carter says she’s sharing her story to encourage early detection and inspire others to trust their bodies.
“It’s so important for me to share this story because I hope to inspire others not to dismiss their gut feeling,” she said. “Our body speaks to us and when it does, we have to listen. It can be a matter of life or death.”
