Nicole Eggert, 54, has spoken candidly about the significant financial challenges she encountered while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The "Baywatch" alum, diagnosed with stage two cribriform carcinoma in December 2023, detailed these struggles in a recent interview.
Eggert underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by a full hysterectomy in March. As a single mother to two daughters, one an adult and one a teenager, she explained the pressure of maintaining household responsibilities and covering the costs associated with her diagnosis, all while being unable to take on acting work.
"In my line of work, I couldn't commit to being on any kind of production because I'm gonna be in treatment and in and out of treatment...three to five, at least, days a week," Eggert told Fox News Digital. "So, it's not like it's work from home kind of work." She acknowledged facing a period where "I wasn't gonna have income, and yet the bills don't stop."
Eggert emphasized the importance of seeking support from her community and being comfortable asking for help during this time. "You really have to find your community, and you really have to be okay with asking for help or asking other people how they do it and getting tips and tricks," she said. "That's why these conversations are just so, so important and so necessary."
She revealed that she was diagnosed after noticing a lump in her breast following weight gain and pain. Initially attributing her symptoms to menopause, she sought medical attention and underwent biopsies, which confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
Eggert has shared updates on her journey, including a positive report in December 2025 indicating clear blood test results. In April, she also shared images of her scars, aiming to destigmatize the experience. In March, she underwent a full hysterectomy after detecting "early signs of more cancer," stating that the procedure eliminates at least seven types of cancer.
Eggert, known for her role as Summer Quinn on "Baywatch" from 1992 to 1994, has expressed gratitude for the support of her daughters, who she described as her "rocks" throughout her health battle. A GoFundMe campaign was also established by a friend to assist with her financial needs.