Actress Olivia Munn Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
American actress Olivia Munn took to Instagram on March 13 to sadly disclose her battle with breast cancer to her numerous fans.
In a heartfelt post, the 43-year-old actress shared a collection of poignant photos and videos captured during her time in the hospital.
Additionally, she penned a touching letter, detailing her journey towards receiving the diagnosis.
“I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey,” the actor wrote in her caption.
Version 1: Munn detailed in her letter that she received a diagnosis in February 2023 following a series of genetic tests. Despite testing negative for the BRCA gene mutation, which is often associated with breast cancer, and having a normal mammogram, Munn’s OB-GYN concluded that she had a 37% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
So, Munn underwent an MRI, an ultrasound and a biopsy. “Two months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she wrote.
She has luminal B cancer in both breasts, which Munn described as “an aggressive, fast moving cancer.”
Without the assistance of her OB-GYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, Munn stated that she would not have received a diagnosis for an additional year. Dr. Aliabadi advised Munn to undergo a breast cancer risk assessment score calculation to ascertain her chances of developing breast cancer.
“The fact that she did that saved my life,” wrote Munn.
“Dr. Aliabadi looked at factors like my age, familial breast cancer history, and the fact that I had my first child after the age of 30,” Munn continued. There are at least 24 risk assessment models used to determine someone’s score, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Munn encouraged her followers to consult with their doctors to determine their risk of developing breast cancer. According to Aliabadi, if an individual’s score exceeds 20%, they should undergo annual mammograms starting from the age of 30.
During her treatment, Munn underwent four surgeries within 10 months, including a double mastectomy. Throughout this journey, she has gained an extensive understanding of cancer, its treatment, and the role of hormones.
Munn expressed her gratitude towards her loved ones, friends, and fellow breast cancer patients for their unwavering support throughout the past year.
She also wrote about being thankful to her partner, John Mulaney, “for the nights he spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect.” And she expressed her gratitude for his being there when she went into and came out of surgery.
Since receiving her diagnosis, Munn has been intentional about maintaining her privacy. “I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing,” she wrote.
Olivia Munn kickstarted her professional career as a television host for the gaming network G4 in Los Angeles. She gained recognition for her role as Sloan Sabbith in the HBO political drama series The Newsroom.
Apart from her notable portrayal in The Newsroom, Munn has also appeared in various other acting roles, including a recurring role in Beyond the Break and supporting roles in films such as Big Stan, Date Night, Iron Man 2, and Magic Mike.
She has showcased her versatility by starring in different genres, including supernatural horror, comedy, and superhero films. Munn’s talent extends beyond acting, as she has also lent her voice to animated movies like The Lego Ninjago Movie.
In addition, she has made appearances in television series like Six. In 2018, Munn took on a leading role in the science fiction film The Predator, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
