Actress Olivia Munn has recently chosen to share in an Instagram post that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy. While some people may have chosen to announce their diagnosis sooner, she felt it was important to keep the information private so she could focus on her recovery.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration, and support on their own journey," she captioned the post.
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"In February of 2023, in an effort to be proactive about my health, I took a genetic test that checks you for 90 different cancer genes,” she began. “I tested negative for all, including BRCA (the most well-known breast cancer gene). My sister Sara had just tested negative as well. We called each other and high-fived over the phone. That same winter I also had a normal mammogram," she wrote in the post.
It was a journey
Two months later, she said, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "In the past 10 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," she continued.
"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 that I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded."
Munn went on to say that she kept the process and recovery private and off social media because she "needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing." She went on to thank her ob-gyn, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, calling her a "guardian angel." Her doctor calculated her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. "The fact that she did saved my life," Munn wrote.
"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. The biopsy showed I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer." She also encouraged other women to have their risk assessment calculated.
The comment section on her post was filled with hundreds of comments wishing her well and praising her for her decision to share her story.
John Mulaney, with whom she shares a son, wrote, "Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you. ❤️"
"Sending you so much love from the depths of my heart, friend. STRONG-ass mama ," actor Jordan Fisher wrote.
"I have been thinking about you. Maybe this is why. Sending you love and gratitude for sharing this. And a huge virtual hug. ❤❤❤❤❤," former news anchor and cancer survivor Katie Couric wrote.
Even Munn's doctor commented, writing, "You are my hero. Your post will save so many lives. I love you so much. ❤️"
