Introduction to Olivia Munn’s Mother’s Diagnosis
Olivia Munn shared on Wednesday that her mother was diagnosed with and underwent treatment for breast cancer, revealing the news more than a year after the actor announced her own diagnosis.
The Discovery and Diagnosis
Munn wrote in an Instagram post that after her own breast cancer diagnosis, she encouraged her mother, Kim Munn, to take a lifetime breast cancer risk assessment. It’s the same test that Munn’s own doctor encouraged her to take which led to a score that prompted an MRI test, and ultimately a biopsy. Her mother had a score of 26.2%, and although mammograms came out fine, Munn wrote that she insisted her mother get an MRI.
The Type of Cancer and Treatment
"The Newsroom" actor was found to have Luminal B cancer in both breasts in 2023, she said last year. Her mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 Her2 breast cancer, a fast-growing and invasive form of the disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Munn shared that her mother had a double mastectomy, a surgery that Munn also had when she was diagnosed.
The Cancer Journey and Recovery
"Shortly after that MRI, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 Her2 breast cancer," Munn wrote. "She has since completed 12 rounds of chemo and will continue monthly Herceptin transfusions until this fall." The actress exclusively chatted with Access Hollywood’s guest correspondent Emily Orozco at the Genesis House about her hit Apple TV+ show, "Your Friends and Neighbors" and shared more about her cancer journey.
Raising Awareness and Encouragement
The actor encourages everyone to take the free, online risk assessment that she credits with saving her and her mother’s lives. "Anything above 20% is considered high risk for breast cancer and you should insist that your doctor order a breast MRI," Munn wrote. Munn added that her mother wanted to say that she hopes sharing her story will help save someone’s life.
Personal Moments and Support
"I want to say how proud I am of my mom," Munn wrote. "She’s handled all of this with bravery and humor while still driving us crazy (just days after her double mastectomy she tried to do laundry and make dinner — she’s insane.)" Munn’s post included video of her mother making fried green tomatoes days after surgery, joking that Munn won’t get any if she isn’t nice. She also shared video of her mother ringing a bell to indicate she finished her last round of chemo, cheering with hospital staff who held signs.
Conclusion
Olivia Munn’s mother’s diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer serve as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ups and risk assessments. Munn’s story highlights the significance of family support and the need to raise awareness about breast cancer. By sharing her mother’s journey, Munn hopes to encourage others to take proactive steps in their own health and well-being.
FAQs
Q: What type of cancer did Olivia Munn’s mother have?
A: Olivia Munn’s mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 Her2 breast cancer.
Q: What test did Olivia Munn encourage her mother to take?
A: Olivia Munn encouraged her mother to take a lifetime breast cancer risk assessment.
Q: What is the significance of a score above 20% in the risk assessment?
A: A score above 20% is considered high risk for breast cancer, and individuals with such a score should insist that their doctor order a breast MRI.
Q: How did Olivia Munn’s mother respond to her diagnosis and treatment?
A: Olivia Munn’s mother handled her diagnosis and treatment with bravery and humor, and she hopes that sharing her story will help save someone’s life.
