Taye Diggs has experienced firsthand the heartbreaking impact cancer can have on a family. The actor, now 55, lost both of his parents to cancer — his mother, Marcia Berry, died in 2019 shortly after being diagnosed, and his stepfather, Jeffries Diggs, died of colon cancer in 2004. These personal losses have fueled his passion for cancer awareness and early detection.
“I’ve seen what happens when people don’t take advantage of early detection, and it frustrates me,” Taye tells local news. “Both my parents passed away, both of them. When something bad happens, and you realize it could have been avoided, it stays with you.”
Reflecting on her mother’s battle, Ty shared a touching memory with choreographer Mandy Moore. “She didn’t tell anyone at first. She felt weird, but she was a trooper. It got so hard that we took her to the hospital, and then they said, ‘She’s got cancer, and she doesn’t have much time.’ And then swiftly, she was gone,” he recalled.
These experiences have led Ty to partner with CancerGuard, a blood-based test designed to detect many types of cancer by identifying abnormal protein markers in the body. The test is not a replacement for traditional screening, but rather serves as an early warning system, encouraging users to seek further medical evaluation if needed.
“I didn’t know this test existed,” says Ty. “If it did, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.” He is now working to spread the word about this breakthrough in cancer detection, and is urging others not to wait until it’s too late. He added, “Now that we have such amazing tools, people have no excuse not to get tested.”
Ty’s commitment to his own health is especially strong, driven by his desire to be with his 16-year-old son, Walker Nathaniel Diggs. He says, “I’m a father. I want to make sure I’m with her as long as possible.” “Knowing that I have this test and the information it provides is a relief. It gives me the peace of mind I need to be the best father I can be.”
It seems like Walker is already ahead of the game when it comes to health awareness. “If he hears me sniffling, he’s like, ‘Go to the doctor,'” Tae laughs. “They already have that mentality. I’m a little late to the game, but we’re telling them it’s definitely beneficial to be active.”
As Ty continues to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection, his message is clear: take action, get tested, and prioritize your health before it’s too late. For them, it’s all about peace of mind – and being with their family for many years to come.