Popular actress Olivia Munn announced on Wednesday, March 13, that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The mother of one shared her announcement via Instagram, revealing that she has undergone surgeries and also a double mastectomy. According to her, she was fine one day, and the next, she was waking up from a 10-hour surgery.
“In the past ten months, I have had four surgeries, so many days spent in bed I can’t even count, and have learned more about cancer, cancer treatment, and hormones than I ever could have imagined,” Munn wrote.
“Surprisingly, I’ve only cried twice. I guess I haven’t felt like there was time to cry. My focus narrowed, and I tabled any emotions I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded.”
The “Ride Along 2” actress explained how she got her diagnosis. Her OB-GYN decided to calculate her breast cancer risk assessment score after a routine checkup.
ALSO READ: Emma Stone Wins Best Actress at the 2024 Oscars
Therefore, she took a genetic test in February 2023 that “checks you for 90 different cancer genes.” Munn and her sister tested negative for all, including the BRCA gene, which has an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer.
However, that same winter, she went in for a mammogram, which gave her the final diagnosis. According to the “New Girl” actress, her doctor’s intricate checkup might have just saved her life.
“Dr. Aliabadi looked at factors like my age, familial breast cancer history, and the fact that I had my first child after the age of 30. She discovered my lifetime risk was at 37%. Because of that score, I was sent to get an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy,” she explained.
POLL — Should Abortion Be Legal in Most Cases?
“The fact that she did saved my life.” The biopsy results showed that “I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer.”
Due to its fast growth rate, she had a double mastectomy just 30 days after the biopsy. “I went from feeling completely fine one day to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next,” the actress said. For months, she kept her diagnosis private as she “needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing.”
Now, she’s ready to share her experience, hoping it could help someone. She also urged women to go and get their breast cancer risk assessment scores. This is because an early diagnosis gives a better prognosis for the future.
ALSO READ: Veteran TV and Film Actress Jean Allison Dies at 94
“I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day,” the “Buddy Games” actress said. She thanked her family, friends, and medical team for their help and support through this difficult time.
Many other actors and celebrities commented on her post, applauding her bravery for sharing her story and wishing her a speedy recovery.
You Might Also Like:
Multimillion-Dollar California Mansions Close to Falling Off Cliff After Landslide
Bernie Sanders Introduces Bill To Establish a Four-Day WorkWeek
These Are the Most Hated Banks in America
Why Are People Fleeing California?
Kelly Clarkson Files New Lawsuit in Legal Battle Against Ex-Husband