Christy Carlson Romano Discusses Cancer Diagnosis

Christy Carlson Romano recently shared, quite emotionally, that she received a positive result from a cancer screening.

On Wednesday, the former Disney Channel star took to Instagram to inform her fans about the health tests she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, underwent “the other day.”

“My husband’s results came back completely negative, but unfortunately, mine didn’t,” Romano, 41, revealed, clearly shaken.

She mentioned needing to undergo a PET scan next, yet she’s been facing challenges getting insurance to cover it.

Romano spoke candidly about her family’s medical history, noting that both her parents have battled cancer. She reflected, saying her mother “didn’t win” in her fight, and her father faced similar struggles. Her maternal grandmother also succumbed to lung cancer.

Following her revelation, Romano touched on the recent passing of actor James Van Der Beek, who died at 48 after battling colorectal cancer. She shared that his death was a motivating factor in her decision to get tested.

Romano expressed familiarity with Van Der Beek, mentioning their mutual connections in Texas, where they both lived with their families. “His family was always active in the community, raising money for various causes. It was a real shock,” she said. “Cancer is pervasive, which is part of why I chose to get tested.”

After receiving her diagnosis, Romano admitted to being overwhelmed, longing to not dwell on it too much. Yet, she planned to channel her energy into her upcoming memoir and film projects.

Reflecting on personal challenges, she mentioned feeling quite vulnerable, especially considering her past experience with an accidental injury while filming clay pigeons for her husband’s birthday about a year ago.

Despite everything, Romano, who has two daughters, Isabella and Sophia, expressed a desire to maintain a positive outlook on life.

She emphasized the importance of faith and understanding that much is out of our control. “People might think I’m overreacting, but given that I have two little girls, I take this seriously,” she shared in a video.

In her Instagram post, she admitted to feeling “nervous and a little scared” about publicly discussing her situation, worried about being perceived negatively.

Romano added that she’s scheduled for a PET scan later this week and remains hopeful for a manageable treatment. “Let’s keep the positive vibes flowing; we’ll update you all as soon as we know more,” she said.

Romano’s husband voiced his support, expressing his commitment to helping her through this challenging time. “You’ve got this, and together we will face any challenges,” he reassured her.

Romano is known for her candidness on social media, particularly after the incident last winter when she underwent surgery on her eye due to an injury.

Reflecting on all that has happened, she expressed gratitude for her life. “Life can change in an instant, so cherish every moment with loved ones.”