X Factor’s Amber Woods Details Cancer Battle After Being Misdiagnosed

by

Amber Woods is sharing her story.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve learned that health journeys are rarely straightforward, and Amber Fisher, who you might remember from X Factor Malta, recently shared hers with incredible bravery. She revealed that getting to a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December was a really tough road, filled with frustrating misdiagnoses along the way. It’s a powerful reminder to advocate for yourself and keep pushing for answers when something doesn’t feel right.

Amber explained to People magazine that pancreatic cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’ because symptoms usually don’t appear until the disease is advanced. She’s working to raise awareness and encourage people to be proactive about their health and seek early detection.

Just after graduating from college and beginning her job search last spring, the 25-year-old singer—who appeared on X Factor Malta in both 2021 and 2023—started having health problems.

Once the patient explained her issues with bloating, hemorrhoids, and difficulty breathing, doctors began considering other potential causes.

She explained that doctors initially thought she had really bad acid reflux. They dismissed her concerns, saying she was young and it couldn’t be anything else.

By December, Amber’s health had gotten significantly worse. She was throwing up constantly, so she and her mother went to the emergency room.

I’ll never forget my initial doctor’s visit. It started with them suspecting I was pregnant, so they immediately wanted to do an ultrasound. But things quickly shifted. The doctor came back looking concerned and explained they’d found several unusual spots on my liver, and thought it could be parasites. They scheduled a CT scan right away to get a clearer picture of what was going on.

But the scan ultimately confirmed a diagnosis that Amber never thought was possible at her age.

The doctor brought my mom and me into a room and told me, very coldly, that I had cancer. I was completely shocked and kept saying, ‘What? That can’t be true.’

She recalled him saying, ‘You have pancreatic cancer that has spread to your liver, meaning it’s stage 4.’ He then told her she would need to go to radiology for a liver biopsy, which involved a long needle, to determine the type of tumor.

After getting a second opinion from another cancer doctor, Amber discovered her pancreatic cancer wasn’t as aggressive as initially feared, but it had progressed. She’ll need to take chemotherapy pills to reduce the size of the tumor.

She’s going through treatment now and won’t know if the medication is working for another month. The pills have been giving her side effects like nausea, fatigue, and constipation. She explained that because the tumors grew slowly, it will likely take several months to see if they’re shrinking – around three or four months, she estimates.

If the medication effectively reduces the tumor’s size, Amber may be able to have surgery to remove her pancreas and spleen, and receive a new liver.

“I’m so frightened,” she admitted. “It’s a major operation, but I’m trying to focus on the possibility of a long, healthy life, and hopefully being free of cancer. If the surgery goes well, the pancreatic cancer won’t be able to return – simply because I won’t have a pancreas anymore.”

Amber is keeping busy while she waits for her results by spending time with loved ones and continuing to work on her music.

I spend a lot of time managing my cancer treatment, but I’m also focused on things I enjoy, like writing music and getting outdoors. I’m really trying to live a full life, and I also want to use my experience to help others by raising awareness and advocating for change.

And though the road ahead is unknown, Amber hopes her experience can help others.

She urges anyone feeling unwell to be persistent with their doctors and seek help at the emergency room if needed. “Don’t give up until you get a thorough examination,” she stressed, explaining that she repeatedly requested scans but was initially ignored.

Amber shared that she’s focusing on staying positive and mentally strong to help her cope, reminding herself that this isn’t the end of her journey.

“There’s more,” she added, “and I just gotta get through this.”

For more stars who have candidly shared details about their journeys with cancer, keep reading…

Oh my gosh, I was absolutely devastated to hear that my idol, a former star from All My Children, revealed he’s battling prostate cancer back in January 2025. It’s just… heartbreaking. And unbelievably unfair. This is actually his third time facing a cancer diagnosis! I’m sending him all my love and hoping for the best.

Even after receiving difficult news, he shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that his cancer was in remission thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficult times don’t define who they are. He shared that everyone is capable of more than their struggles, and that while he acknowledges his own fears and past hurts, he chooses to accept them as part of his journey, believing that acceptance is the key to healing and growth.

The star of The Golden Bachelor announced in December 2024 that he has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s currently no cure for his condition, which has deeply affected all his choices. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned of it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She later confirmed that she was cancer-free.

After undergoing treatment and a double mastectomy, the star of Up All Night received a clean bill of health and is now cancer-free.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now in remission.

In September 2018, the actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives publicly announced that she had overcome anal cancer. She shared on Instagram that revealing her diagnosis, along with a photo, made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentically herself.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors have declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, received treatment for his third case of basal cell carcinoma in 2014. Following the treatment, his representative confirmed to TopMob News that he is now healthy.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind his fans in the northern hemisphere to protect themselves from the sun by wearing sunscreen as summer approached.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure. He shared photos showing stitches – a line from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron faced a battle with ovarian cancer at 25, and went on to have two children with her husband, Taran Killam.

A television personality shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

Oh my gosh, I was SO worried when I heard about Erin Andrews! Thankfully, her surgery for thyroid cancer was a success! I literally started crying tears of relief when I saw her tweet – she said she’s home and resting, and thanked everyone for all the love on Twitter. It just makes me so happy to know she’s okay and on the mend! I’m sending all my positive vibes her way, she’s the best!

The actress shared some amazing news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she was cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo!”

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She explained that her husband had noticed the mark and encouraged her to get it checked, leading to the diagnosis.

A man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer, but fortunately, her treatment worked and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight the need for regular check-ups and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming testicular cancer diagnosed in stage four, the cyclist remarkably went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

I’ve always admired her, but learning about her health journey really deepened my respect. After battling breast cancer – she had a lumpectomy and went through chemotherapy, and thankfully, was given a clean bill of health in 2005 – she became such an inspiring advocate. It’s amazing how she turned a personal challenge into something so positive and impactful.

After battling breast cancer, comedian Judy Carter turned her experiences into a funny and relatable one-woman show called God Said Ha!, which became a Broadway hit.

Read More

2026-04-04 00:21