Brittany Daniel Reveals Secret Cancer Diagnosis

Brittany Daniel was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma three years ago, but rather than announcing the news to her fans, the actress chose to privately deal with the devastating diagnosis.

Now cancer-free, Daniel is speaking for the first time about her diagnosis and how she overcame the illness.

"It happened so suddenly," Daniel revealed to PEOPLE Magazine.

During summer 2011, Daniel, who previously starred alongside her twin sister in Sweet Valley High, was preparing to resume filming on the latest season of BET's The Game and looking forward to moving into a new home. However, after experiencing back pain, night sweats and flu-like symptoms, she decided to visit her doctor who diagnosed her with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Following the diagnosis, Daniel began chemotherapy, and as she recovered, she moved into her twin sister Cynthia's home, as did her mother who assisted in nursing Daniel back to health.

"There is is no way I would have ever gotten through this without my family," Daniel said. "My family is everything to me and I feel like they saw me through this."

After beating the illness, Daniel now looks forward to her future. Currently, she is starring on the seventh season of The Game, and considering starting a family with longtime boyfriend Keenen Ivory Wayans, who she's been dating since 2007.