Olivia Munn reveals breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy
By Carl Samson
Olivia Munn has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the actor revealed in an Instagram post Wednesday.
Key points:
- Munn said she was diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer, a type known to be more aggressive and have a slightly worse prognosis than luminal A.
- The 43-year-old has undergone four surgeries in the past 10 months, which include a double mastectomy or the removal of both breasts.
- Stressing the importance of early detection, she called herself “lucky” for catching her diagnosis “with enough time that I had options.”
The details:
- Munn learned about her condition after her OB-GYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, calculated her breast cancer assessment risk score during a mammogram. Her 37% lifetime risk led to an MRI, an ultrasound and a biopsy, which revealed the diagnosis.
- Munn credited Aliabadi for saving her life. She said the doctor informed her that someone who scores above 20% will require annual mammograms and breast MRIs from age 30.
- The “Hit Monkey” star had kept her condition private as she needed to “catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing.” She said she has only cried twice as she was forced to table emotions that would “interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded.”
Reactions:
- Munn has been supported by her partner, John Mulaney, and their 2-year-old son, Malcolm, throughout her ordeal. Responding to her Instagram post, Mulaney wrote, “Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you.”
- Fellow Asian American actors such as Brenda Song, Ming-Na Wen and Ashley Park, to name a few, expressed support for Munn following her post. She also received an outpouring of well wishes from fans and others in the creative and media industries.
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“You’re incredible and resilient,” Song wrote in her comment. “Thank you for sharing and spreading awareness. Sending so much love and healing thoughts. Here if you need anything.”
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