In Her Own Words: Olivia Munn’s Battle with Breast Cancer
The gifted actress Olivia Munn just disclosed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed her illness in an emotional Instagram post with the intention of consoling, uplifted, and supporting people going through their own cancer journeys. Olivia clarified that in February 2023, she had a genetic test done to look for a number of cancer genes, including the well-known BRCA gene that is linked to breast cancer. Her test results for all ninety-one genes were surprisingly negative.
Despite having a normal mammogram just a few months prior, Olivia discovered she had breast cancer. Over the past ten months, she has undergone four surgeries and spent countless days in bed. She admitted that she has learned more about cancer, cancer treatment, and hormones than she ever could have imagined. Throughout this challenging time, Olivia has remained remarkably strong, shedding tears only twice and focusing on staying clear-headed.
Olivia shared that she has been selective about when she allows others to see her, choosing moments when she has the energy to get dressed and leave the house. She has kept her diagnosis, worries, recovery, pain medication, and the challenges of wearing paper gowns private. Olivia needed time to catch her breath and navigate the hardest parts of her journey before sharing her experience with the world.
Early Detection and Life-Saving Measures
If it weren’t for Olivia’s OBGYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, calculating her breast cancer risk assessment score, she may not have discovered her cancer for another year. Factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, and giving birth after the age of 30 were taken into account. Olivia expressed gratitude for Dr. Aliabadi’s thorough assessment, which led to the timely detection of her cancer.
Olivia underwent a double mastectomy, a procedure that she credits with saving her life. She considers herself fortunate to have had options due to catching the cancer early. Her hope is that every woman facing breast cancer will have the same opportunity for early detection and a range of treatment options.
Gratitude and Support
Olivia has been accompanied on her journey by loved ones who have encouraged her at every turn. She was incredibly appreciative of her friends and family, particularly her partner John Mulaney, who devoted many evenings to learning about her procedures, drugs, and convalescence. Before every procedure, he would be there for her, and upon her awakening, he would make sure that the first things she saw were framed pictures of their son, Malcolm.
Olivia also acknowledged the incredible support she received from others who have faced breast cancer or similar challenges. Their guidance and understanding have been invaluable during her most uncertain and overwhelming moments.
Olivia emphasized the importance of asking doctors to calculate breast cancer risk assessment scores for women. If the score exceeds 20 percent, annual mammograms are recommended after the age of 30. She hopes that by sharing her experience, more women will be proactive in assessing their risk and taking necessary precautions.
Following Olivia’s heartfelt post, she received an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and celebrities, all sending their well wishes. John Mulaney, her partner, expressed his gratitude for Olivia’s strength and fighting spirit on behalf of himself and their son, Malcolm. Lindsey Vonn and Kristin Davis also sent messages of love and support, commending Olivia for her bravery and resilience.
Olivia Munn’s fight against breast cancer is a testament to the value of early detection, the extraordinary strength that exists inside each person, and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her openness to share her experience will surely provide others going through comparable difficulties consolation and motivation.