Olivia Munn reveals she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer
Topics: Celebrity, Health, Film and TV
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/oliviamunn
Topics: Celebrity, Health, Film and TV
Actor Olivia Munn has revealed she's been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Taking to Instagram to share a health update, Munn penned: "In February of 2023, in an effort to be more proactive about my health, I took a genetic test that checks you for 90 cancer genes. I tested negative for all, including BRCA.
"My sister Sara had just tested negative as well. We called each other and high-fived over the phone. The same winter I also had a negative mammogram.
"Two months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer."
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The statement continued: "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 could ever have imagined.
"Surprisingly, I've only cried twice. I guess I haven't felt like there was time to cry. My focus narrowed and I tabled my emotions that I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded.
"I've tended to let people see me when I have energy, when I can get dressed and get out of the house, when I can take my baby boy to the park. I've kept the diagnosis and the worry and the recovery and the pain medicine and the paper gowns private.
"I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing."
The Newsroom star went on to praise medical professionals for all they have done so far, including calculating her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score.
In particular, it was her OBGYN who was singled out by Munn, who said she 'saved [her] life'.
"Dr. Aliabadi looked at factors like my age, familial breast cancer history, and the fact I had my first child after the age of 30. She discovered my lifetime risk was at 37 percent.
"Because of that score I was sent to get an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy. The biopsy showed I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast moving cancer."
Munn continued: "30 days after that biopsy I had a double mastectomy. I went from feeling completely fine one day, to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next.
"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.
"Ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. Dr. Aliabadi says if the number is greater than 20% you need annual mammograms and breast MRIs starting at age 30."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.