Olivia Munn Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Shares She Had Double Mastectomy
In a heartfelt and courageous Instagram post, actress Olivia Munn has opened up about her private battle with breast cancer, revealing that she was diagnosed in April 2023. The announcement comes as a shock to many, especially since Munn had undergone a genetic test and a normal mammogram just two months prior, both of which showed no signs of the disease.
At 43 years old, Munn has faced a challenging journey that has included four surgeries and countless days spent recovering in bed. Despite the gravity of her situation, she shared that she has only cried twice throughout this ordeal, stating, “I guess I haven’t felt like there was time to cry.” This resilience speaks volumes about her character and determination to navigate this difficult chapter in her life.
Munn’s decision to keep her diagnosis private until now was driven by her need to process the situation and focus on her recovery. “I’ve kept my 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,” she explained. This sentiment resonates with many who have faced similar health challenges, highlighting the importance of personal space and time during such trying times.
A pivotal moment in Munn’s journey was when her doctor conducted a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score test, which she credits with saving her life. The results indicated a 37% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, prompting further investigation through an MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy. The biopsy ultimately revealed that she had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Munn shared the emotional weight of this diagnosis, stating, “30 days after that biopsy I had a double mastectomy.”
In her post, Munn expressed gratitude for the support she received from her loved ones, particularly her partner, comedian John Mulaney. She praised him for his unwavering presence during her surgeries, noting how he would place framed photos of their son, Malcolm, by her bedside so that the first thing she saw upon waking was a reminder of their family. “For the nights spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect,” she said, “he was there before I went into each surgery and being there when I woke up.” This touching tribute underscores the importance of having a strong support system during health crises.
Munn’s candidness about her diagnosis and treatment journey serves a dual purpose: it raises awareness about breast cancer and offers comfort to others who may be facing similar battles. In her post, she expressed a desire for her story to inspire and support others, stating, “I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey.”
While Munn did not mention being in remission, her proactive approach to her health and her determination to share her experience are commendable. The timing of her announcement is poignant, coming just days after she attended the Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscar party with Mulaney, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Breast cancer awareness is crucial, and Munn’s story adds to the growing narrative of women bravely confronting this disease. Her experience highlights the importance of regular screenings, genetic testing, and being proactive about one’s health. Munn’s journey serves as a reminder that early detection can lead to better outcomes and more treatment options.
As she continues her recovery, Munn’s openness about her struggles and triumphs will undoubtedly resonate with many. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love and support in overcoming life’s challenges. In sharing her experience, Olivia Munn not only sheds light on the realities of breast cancer but also inspires others to seek help, stay informed, and prioritize their health.
In a world where health battles are often fought in silence, Munn’s bravery in sharing her journey is a beacon of hope for many. As she navigates this new chapter, her story will continue to inspire and empower others facing similar challenges.
Olivia Munn Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Shares She Had Double Mastectomy
Opening up about her private battle, she thanked John Mulaney for “always placing framed photos of our little boy Malcolm so it would be the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes,”
Olivia Munn just revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
In a post to Instagram on Wednesday, the actress opened up about her private health battle for the first time — revealing the diagnosis came in April 2023, just two months after taking a genetic test checking for cancer genes and a normal mammogram, which both found no signs of the disease.
Since that time, the 43-year-old has had four surgeries and “so many days spend in bed I can’t even count” — but said she’s only cried twice, adding, “I guess I haven’t felt like there was time to cry.”
“I’ve kept my 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,” she continued.
Munn thanked her doctor for doing a test to calculate her Breast Cancer Rick Assessment Score, something which she now says “saved my life.” The results of that test came back saying her lifetime risk of having cancer was 37%, leading to an MRI, ultrasound and biopsy, the latter of which revealed she had Luminal B cancer in both breasts.
“30 days after that biopsy I had a double mastectomy,” she shared, along with video of her in an emotional state in the hospital before the operation.
“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,” she continued, before thanking her friends, family and partner John Mulaney for their support.
Of Mulaney, she praised him “for the nights spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect: and “for being there before I went into each surgery and being there when I woke up, always placing framed photos of our little boy Malcolm so it would be the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes.”
She captioned her post by writing, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey.”
Munn made no mention of being in remission in her post.
The reveal comes just days after she attended both the Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscar party with Mulaney.
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