Angie Everhart has announced that she is battling thyroid cancer and will undergo surgery this week.

Everhart’s rep made a statement about the diagnosis, saying, “Word has been trickling out about supermodel/actress Angie Everhart’s health. She wants to set the record straight by letting everyone know that it is true that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, however, the prognosis is very good.”

Everhart decided to go public with her battle in order to inspire others to learn about cancer prevention. As single mom to a 3-year old son, she says her main priority is getting well enough to get back to “mommy duty”.

Everhart is the latest in a string of celebrities who have battled thyroid cancer and come out on the other end successful, including Brooke Burke-Charvet and Sofia Vergara. Vergara was diagnosed in 2000 and had her thyroid removed, but is enjoying a healthy life these days. Burke-Charvet also endured surgery but says she credits a healthy diet and exercise routine for her energy.

“I was already eating healthy, but it really confirms how good I feel when I work out,” Burke, 41, said. “After lying around for a few weeks, I was like, ‘I need to move. I need to sweat and get that adrenaline rush.’ It’s the best antidepressant. It’s like the best medicine in the world.”

Prayers for my client guys – Angie Everhart — Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer tmz.com/2013/05/13/ang… via @tmz

— Melinda (@melindagale) May 13, 2013

🙁 I like her. Praying for her recovery. RT @tmz: Angie Everhart — Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer tmz.me/ZV7imo

— Elle, oh Elle (@elle_emm_aitch) May 13, 2013