Olivia Munn X-Men Actress Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis At 43

X-Men actress Olivia Munn shared on Instagram her hope that divulging her diagnosis would offer solace, motivation, and encouragement to others on their individual journeys. She hoped that opening up about her diagnosis would aid others in finding comfort, inspiration, and support along their paths.

In February 2023, Munn underwent a genetic test that assessed her for 90 different cancer genes. The outcomes revealed that she tested negative for all the genes, including BRCA, the most well-known breast cancer gene.

X-Men Actress Olivia Munn Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

During the recent winter, she had a routine mammogram, and only two months later received the news that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“In the past ten months I have had four surgeries, so many days spent in bed I can’t even count and have learned more about cancer, cancer treatment and hormones than I ever could have imagined,” the actress wrote. “Surprisingly, I’ve only cried twice. I guess I haven’t felt like there was time to cry. My focus narrowed and I tabled any emotions that I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clear-headed.”

Munn revealed that she has chosen to be seen by others only when she feels energetic enough to get dressed and leave the house, engaging in activities like taking her son to the park. She explained, “I’ve kept the 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.”

Had it not been for the proactive approach of Munn’s OBGYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, in evaluating her breast cancer risk score, the actress revealed that the diagnosis might have been delayed for another year. The doctor considered multiple factors, such as her age, family history of breast cancer, and the fact that she became a mother after the age of 30, highlighting the crucial role of thorough risk assessment in early detection.

Additional Information Provided About Her Condition

Image: Fox

She determined that X-Men actress Olivia Munn lifetime risk was 37 percent and, based on this assessment, recommended an MRI. The subsequent imaging revealed the need for an ultrasound and, eventually, a biopsy. The biopsy results confirmed the presence of Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Munn emphasized the aggressive and fast-moving nature of this type of cancer.

She expressed, “Thirty days after that biopsy, I underwent a double mastectomy.” Munn detailed the rapid transition from feeling completely fine one day to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next. Grateful for catching it in time, she acknowledged having options and hoped for the same for any woman facing a similar situation.

Munn urged women to request their doctors to assess their breast cancer risk score. Her doctor advised that if the calculated risk exceeds 20 percent, women should opt for annual mammograms after turning 30.

In the conclusion of her extensive post, the X-Men actress Olivia Munn expressed gratitude to her friends, family, and the medical teams at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles and Saint John’s in Santa Monica. She specifically acknowledged her surgical oncologist, reconstructive surgeon, oncologist, and Dr. Aliabadi. Additionally, she took a moment to thank her partner and her son Malcolm’s father, John Mulaney.

“I’m so thankful to John for the nights he spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect,” the X-Men actress Olivia Munn wrote. “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.”

Featured Image Via Fox