The actress shared her journey on social media, receiving support from friends and fans.
Olivia Munn, best known for her roles in The Newsroom, X-Men: Apocalypse, and The Predator, has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer early in 2023.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey,” she wrote on Instagram.
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The news came two months after she took a genetic test that checked for 90 different cancer genes. She initially tested negative for all of them and had normal mammogram results.
Throughout the year, she underwent four surgeries and learned about cancer and possible treatments.
“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,” she shared.
According to Munn, she wouldn’t have found her cancer for another year—at her next scheduled mammogram—if it wasn’t for her OB-GYN. After calculating her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score, the doctor discovered that her lifetime risk was at 37%.
After an MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy, Munn was diagnosed with Luminal B cancer in both breasts. “Luminal B is an aggressive, fast moving cancer,” she explained.
A month after receiving the diagnosis, the actress opted for a double mastectomy. “I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options.”
Taking Proactive Steps
In her post, Munn urges others to have their doctors calculate their Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score as well. “I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day.”
According to her “guardian angel,” Dr. Thais Aliabadi, if the number is greater than 20%, then you will need annual mammograms and breast MRIs by age 30.
Her Instagram post included photos and a video of her throughout the process, even in her most vulnerable moments.
Munn ended her post by thanking the friends and family that have supported her throughout all this, including her partner John Mulaney.
She shared that he spent nights researching what to expect with breast cancer and placed framed photos of her son at her bedside so that it would be the first thing she saw after every surgery.
She also thanked friends who have had breast cancer, for guiding her in this journey, as well as the hospital staff and doctors who have helped get her through it.
An Outpouring Of Support
After she posted her story, Munn received plenty of support from loved ones and friends in the industry.
Her partner, Mulaney, wrote “Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you,” referring to their two-year-old son. Just a few days ago, the couple attended the Oscars together, where Mulaney presented an award.
Jessica Chastain also left a comment on Munn’s post, saying “You are very generous to share your story, I believe in doing so you’ve saved lives. So much love to you and your family.”
“You are so strong Olivia! Grateful you found this early. Sending you love always,” wrote Munn’s Magic Mike co-star Matt Bomer.
“Olivia. Thank you for sharing this and in this way. You and your strength and vulnerability in equal measure are so beautiful. Sending you biggest love,” actress Minka Kelly said in a heartfelt comment.
Freida Pinto praised Munn’s bravery, saying “You are a warrior Olivia. You are saving lives and you are also sending out such an important message about how we as women and mothers need to breathe first before we pour our feelings and thoughts into the world. Thank you thank you.”
Other well-wishers include Reese Witherspoon, Gemma Chan, Leslie Mann, Mindy Kaling, Sam Claflin, and Jordan Fisher, among many more.
Banner image via Instagram @oliviamunn.
