Olivia Munn is opening up about her nearly year-long private battle with breast cancer.
The “X-Men: Apocalypse” actress, 43, revealed in an Instagram post Wednesday that she was diagnosed with the disease in April 2023. In the post, she shared several photos and a video of her in the hospital, as well as a lengthy statement detailing all she had been through since receiving the news.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she captioned the post. “I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey.”
In her statement, Munn explained that she and her sister Sara did genetic testing that “checks you for 90 different cancer genes” in February 2023, which all came back negative, including one for the BRCA gene. She said her most recent mammogram around that time had also been negative.
Two months later, she said she was diagnosed with an “aggressive, fast moving cancer” known as Luminal B.
The “Newsroom” actress said she has undergone four surgeries, including a double mastectomy, in the months since her diagnosis.
“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,” she 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 clearheaded.”
Munn said she decided to keep her cancer battle private because she “needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing.”
The former “Daily Show” correspondent credited her OB-GYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, for helping to save her life.
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Munn said she is “lucky” because her cancer was caught early enough for her to have options.
“I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day,” she added.
(L-R) John Mulaney and Olivia Munn attend the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
“I’m so thankful to my friends and family for loving me through this,” the former G4 host said, going on to shout out her boyfriend John Mulaney for supporting her every step of the way.
“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,” she said of the comedian. “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.”
Munn and Mulaney welcomed their son Malcolm in November 2021.
Mulaney took to the comments of Munn’s post to support her after she made the announcement, writing, “Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you.”
Olivia Munn, the talented actress and former host of Attack of the Show, recently revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. In an emotional Instagram post, Munn shared her journey with her followers, shedding light on the importance of early detection and taking control of one’s health.
Munn, 41, explained that she discovered a lump in her breast during a self-exam and immediately sought medical attention. After undergoing tests and consultations with doctors, she made the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy to remove the cancerous tissue and reduce her risk of recurrence.
In her post, Munn emphasized the importance of regular self-exams and screenings for early detection of breast cancer. She urged her followers to prioritize their health and not ignore any changes or abnormalities in their bodies.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases diagnosed each year. While the disease can be devastating, early detection and advancements in treatment have significantly improved survival rates.
A double mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which both breasts are removed to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is often recommended for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic factors or a strong family history of the disease.
Munn’s decision to undergo a double mastectomy was a personal one, and she expressed gratitude for the support of her loved ones throughout the process. She encouraged others facing similar challenges to seek out resources and support to help them navigate their own journeys.
In sharing her story, Munn hopes to raise awareness about breast cancer and empower women to take charge of their health. She emphasized the importance of self-care and self-advocacy in navigating a cancer diagnosis, urging others to prioritize their well-being and seek out the care they need.
As Munn continues on her road to recovery, she remains grateful for the opportunity to share her story and connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. Her courage and openness serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and supporting one another through life’s toughest moments.
