Renowned actress Nicole Eggert, known for her roles in iconic shows like “Baywatch” and “Charles in Charge,” recently disclosed her battle with breast cancer, a revelation that shed light on her past regrets and the challenges she faced during her early years in the entertainment industry.

In an interview with People, Eggert expressed regret over her decision to undergo breast augmentation at the young age of 18 while starring in “Baywatch.” She highlighted the pressures of conforming to certain body standards in the industry, especially when donning the iconic red swimsuit on the show. Recalling the challenges of portraying a lifeguard in a one-piece swimsuit with inadequate bust size, Eggert remarked on the struggle of feeling compelled to enhance her appearance.

“I look at all these younger girls doing it and think, ‘God, leave your bodies alone!’” she exclaimed, emphasizing the societal pressures she faced. Despite regretting the decision, Eggert explained the challenges of feeling inadequate in a role that demanded a specific physical appearance.

The actress, now 52, admitted that she was ill-prepared, both physically and mentally, for the demands of filming in a revealing swimsuit every day. At the time, she had no inkling that she would land a role on “Baywatch” and initially believed she would be part of a spinoff series centered around high school students in Malibu. Reflecting on her 18-year-old self’s choices, she acknowledged the decision as a “stupid” one.

Over the years, Eggert underwent multiple breast augmentations, including a reduction that was featured on the E! show “Botched” in 2015. However, her recent news is not related to cosmetic procedures; she shared that she is battling stage 2 cribriform carcinoma. As she awaits surgery to remove the lump in her left breast and determine the course of chemotherapy, Eggert expressed the anxiety of dealing with cancer, particularly considering her role as the sole caregiver for her 12-year-old daughter.

The actress admitted to feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the uncertainty surrounding her health. In response, a close friend, Mindy Molinary, initiated a GoFundMe page to support Eggert through the upcoming treatments. Molinary emphasized Eggert’s tenacity but noted the financial strain posed by medical bills and the inability to work during the challenging times ahead.

As Eggert faces this formidable journey, her story serves as a reminder of the complex and often harsh realities that individuals in the entertainment industry may grapple with, both in terms of body image pressures and unexpected health challenges.