Christy Carlson Romano Faces Health Scare After Cancer Screening
Christy Carlson Romano, the former Disney Channel star, is experiencing a challenging time after receiving results from a recent cancer screening, which she described as “very vulnerable.”
The 41-year-old actress and host of the Vulnerable podcast shared her emotional journey through a tearful Instagram video. She discussed her family’s history with cancer and admitted her fears as a mother of two young daughters.
Romano reflected on her parents’ battles with cancer—her mother was able to overcome it, while her father unfortunately did not survive. Additionally, her maternal grandmother passed away from lung cancer. This background played a significant role in her decision to undergo testing.
She shared that both she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, were tested; while his results came back completely negative, hers did not reflect the same outcome. “It wasn’t negative in my case,” she said after a long pause.
The next step in her medical journey involves a PET scan, a detailed imaging test that can reveal important metabolic activity in the body. Romano expressed the emotional toll of getting to this point, mentioning that she had to “fight the company” to cover the cost of the scan, adding more stress to an already anxious situation.
In her video, she also reflected on the recent loss of James Van Der Beek, who died at 48 from colorectal cancer. Knowing him personally, she described him as a cornerstone of their Texas community, often engaged in charitable efforts.
“Cancer exists everywhere…that’s why I took this test,” she noted, emphasizing the seriousness of her situation. Romano mentioned that faith is helping her navigate this uncertain period, saying, “It’s time to have a strong faith and know that most of it is in God’s hands.” She acknowledged that some may think she’s overreacting, but she feels the weight of her circumstances, especially as a mother.
She has two daughters, Sofia and Isabella, aged 7 and 9. Romano is trying to manage her nerves by immersing herself in work, with recent projects including a film and an upcoming memoir. As she awaits further answers, she describes being in a state of disbelief.
Reflecting on her prior health scare, Romano recalled the incident from February 2025 when she was accidentally shot in the face during a clay pigeon shooting event. “This is a very vulnerable time for me,” she remarked, noting that it has been about a year since that incident.
In her Instagram caption, she hesitated to share this news, concerned about how people might perceive it. However, she felt it was important to encourage others to get tested. “I’m nervous and a little scared (who wouldn’t be?). I hope the treatment is simple,” she wrote.
Romano concluded her post by asserting her intention to keep her followers updated once she had more information, sharing a positive message to encourage others to keep up the good vibes.
