Marc Anthony's ex-wife, Dayanara Torres, reveals terrifying cancer diagnosis

On World Cancer Day, the former beauty queen and actress took to social media to share difficult news about her health and used the opportunity to send a message about self-care.

On February 4, 44-year-old Dayanara Torres posted a video on Instagram to give her followers an update about her health after being diagnosed with skin cancer. She shared the news speaking in Spanish and added an English caption.

The mother-of-two has already undergone surgery twice and is set to start receiving treatment to battle with the disease. Now Torres wants to raise awareness about paying attention to our bodies and health.

“As mothers, we are always taking care of everyone around us... our kids, family, friends & often we forget to take care of ourselves,” the ex-Miss Universe started.

Torres admitted to not having paid attention to the appearance of a “big spot/mole” that grew over the years in one of her legs, which turned out to be melanoma.

“The most important of all my roles has been that of a mother. Since I had my children I have focused on them only. I want to be present at all times, and I have nothing to complain about: I am grateful to live.”

“My fiancé Louis had been begging me to have it checked & finally made an appointment himself... after a biopsy & a second surgery last Tuesday the results, unfortunately, are positive.”

-Dayanara Torres, Instagram, February 4, 2019.

“They have already removed a big area from the back of my knee & also they have removed 2 lymph nodes at the top of my leg where it had already spread. Hoping it has not spread to any more areas or organs,” the Puerto Rican model added.

Torres is putting her trust in her faith and is determined to stay strong to help her children cope with the situation, and she wants them to remember that she is “a warrior of a mommy.”

“PLEASE, never forget to take care of yourself. If you see something or feel something different in your body have it checked... I had no idea skin cancer could spread anywhere else in your body,” Torres concluded.

Torres divorced singer Marc Anthony almost 15 years ago. The former husband and wife share sons Christian, 18, and Ryan, 15.

Dayanara has been open about how becoming a mother is the most meaningful experience she has gone through, and that because of her two children she feels complete.

“The most important of all my roles has been that of a mother. Since I had my children I have focused on them only. I want to be present at all times, and I have nothing to complain about: I am grateful to live,” Dayanara once said.

Back in November, Torres became engaged to 60-year-old Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito, after he proposed on her 44th birthday.

Nowadays, Torres is part of the jury of “Mira Quién Baila,” a popular dance competition show produced by Univisión.

Recently, she was the target of criticism by the viewers after she allegedly helped contestant Clarissa Molina, a Dominican model, make it to the “MQB All-Stars” finale.

Some viewers were disappointed by how far Molina has gotten in the show because in their opinion the 27-year-old doesn’t have what it takes and is been chosen because of her sympathy and popularity and not for her talent.

Others accused the Univisión network of being partial and benefiting their artists, pointing out to the fact that Molina works for the network.

Torres defended herself by reminding that none of this has been decided by the jury but is a result of the votes by the audience. She advised those unhappy about the outcome to go on and vote for their favorite option.