Famous actress Olivia Munn revealed on Wednesday that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
The 43-year-old shared the news on Instagram, writing: “I hope that by sharing this, others can find comfort, inspiration and support in their own journey.” She described a traumatic event she had experienced.
“One day I was perfectly fine and the next I woke up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery,” she wrote. “I’m lucky. I caught it with enough time so I had options.”
She shared numerous photos taken at the hospital, as well as a heartbreaking video documenting her experience in the hospital.
Mann explained the sequence of events that led to her diagnosis and the importance of preventive care.
“If my gynecologist, Dr. Tais Aliabadi, had not decided to calculate my Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score, my next scheduled mammogram would not have detected cancer for another year. “Yes,” Dr. Mann said. “The fact that she saved my life.”
Actor Olivia Munn attends the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations announcement at the Silver Screen Theater on December 13, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. 2018 SAG nomination.Photo by: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Olivia Munn attends “The Rook” at the LA Premiere of Stars at the Getty Museum on June 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Photo by John Kopaloff/Getty Images
Ms. Mann provided further insight into her breast cancer risk factors and how her doctors moved quickly to provide care.
“Dr. Aliabadi considered factors such as my age, my familial history of breast cancer, and the fact that I had my first child after age 30. She estimated that my lifetime risk was 37%. Because of that score, I was sent for an MRI, an ultrasound was performed, and a biopsy was performed.”
American actress Olivia Munn attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 14th Annual Governor General’s Awards Ceremony held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles on January 9, 2024. (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP, Getty Images)
Hollywood, California: Olivia Munn attends the 96th Academy Awards Ceremony on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Inglewood, California: In this image released on May 2, Olivia Munn attends Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Conference To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Global Citizen VAX LIVE: Reuniting the World Concert will be broadcast on May 8, 2021. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE)
She went on to share the devastating consequences of her condition.
“The biopsy revealed that I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-growing cancer,” she said.
Actress Olivia Munn attends the 88th Academy Awards ceremony held at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California.Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Olivia Munn attends the Patrick Ta Beauty Launch on April 4, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Patrick Ta Beauty
Mann said she underwent a double mastectomy 30 days after the biopsy and said she was relieved to have access to treatment and care. (Related: Sarah Ferguson’s team releases important health information)
“I want the same thing for women who may someday have to face this problem: Ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score.” If the number is above 20%, you should have a mammogram and breast MRI every year starting at age 30.”
The “Magic Mike” and “X-Men: Apocalypse” star thanked John Mulaney for being there for him when he needed him.
