- - Former Miss Universe Puerto Rico Contestant Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 33

Zoey LyttleJanuary 29, 2026 at 3:11 AM

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Jaylene Alvarez.

jaylene.alvarez/Instagram

On Jan. 21, former Miss Universe Puerto Rico finalist Jaylene Álvarez revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer

The 33-year-old referred to her health journey as a "face-to-face encounter with death" and detailed how she's claimed her strength and faith amid the experience

Álvarez placed as the second runner up at the national Puerto Rican pageant in 2021

Jaylene Álvarez has been diagnosed with breast cancer nearly five years after she placed second at Miss Universe Puerto Rico.

The beauty queen, 33, took to social media to share her health update on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Alongside a trio of photos of herself in a pink off-the-shoulder dress, Álvarez began her caption with a meaningful statement: "I Was Given a Diagnosis, Not a Destiny," she said, adding that the news of her cancer has changed her life.

Writing in Spanish, she continued, "I'm not saying this out of fear, but from a place of truth and strength ... Having a face-to-face encounter with death and saying, 'Not me, not now, not yet,' is a moment for which no one can prepare you, but it is precisely there that you discover how powerful, strong, and resilient you are."

Jaylene Alvarez.

jaylene.alvarez/Instagram

Álvarez expressed how her experience with breast cancer has "awakened" her and led to spiritual growth. The former national pageant contestant said she sees life "through different eyes" and understands "every second is a gift," as an English translation of her announcement reads.

"Today I live with more intention, with more love, and with more purpose. I want to serve more, love better, and be a better citizen of the world we share," she wrote. "If there's one thing I want you to take away from this news, it's this: let's not wait for a wake-up call to live fully or seek God. Let's say what we feel, hug more, and serve without expecting anything in return."

She concluded by stating her intention to move forward with hope and courage, guided by her faith.

"Thank you, God, for giving me more than I deserve. Thanks to this experience, today I feel closer to you," Álvarez added. "I am healing."

Days later, on Saturday, Jan. 24, she shared an Instagram Reel with footage of her jabbing at the camera in pink boxing gloves. On her nose, she wore a band reading "Cancer warrior."

In her caption, she thanked the people of Puerto Rico for their "prayers and well wishes" following her announcement. "I never imagined feeling so much love," she wrote.

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Álvarez promised to continue sharing her journey on social media to reach other women "facing the same challenge" in an effort to build a network of support."My respect to all cancer patients 🤝 because I’m aware that there are more delicate diagnoses than mine," she added. "Keeping them in my prayers."

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”