On Wednesday, Olivia Munn revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, having undergone four surgeries in the past 10 months, including a double mastectomy, to combat the disease.
The caption of a statement she posted along with photos of her in a hospital bed and with her doctors read:
“I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration, and support on their own journey.”
Munn’s diagnosis came as a shock, particularly because it followed closely on the heels of negative results from a cancer gene test and a normal mammogram she had in February 2023. The actress shared of her recovery process:
“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. Surprisingly, I’ve only cried twice.”
The Recovery Period Wasn’t Easy, She Explains
Her condition was discovered following a breast cancer risk assessment conducted by her doctor, not originally scheduled until her next mammogram. The assessment led to a biopsy that revealed ‘an aggressive, fast-moving cancer’ in both breasts, which resulted in a double mastectomy 30 days later:
“I went from feeling completely fine one day, to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next. I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day.”
At the Oscars on Sunday, Munn was seen walking the red carpet with her partner, John Mulaney. The couple welcomed their son, Malcolm, at the end of 2021.
Munn chose to maintain her privacy during her cancer battle, sharing her condition only when she felt strong enough, allowing her to go through the toughest parts in private before making her struggle public.
The Actress Is Thankful For The Support
Munn expressed her gratitude towards Mulaney for his support during her treatment, highlighting his presence and thoughtfulness. She 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.”
The actress’ post received support from her family and friends, as the comedian also thanked her ‘for fighting so hard to be here for us.’ In addition, former ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor Katie Couric reached out with a message of love and support, thanking Munn for her bravery in sharing her story.
You can see Olivia Munn’s full statement here.
Photo Credit: Olivia Munn – Instagram
Photo Credit: Olivia Munn – Instagram
