Diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer in April 2023, TV and film actress Olivia Munn shared what it’s been like navigating the diagnosis while raising a son (Malcom, 3 years old) and daughter (Méi June, 3 months old).
Could you walk us through your story of how you were diagnosed with breast cancer, and what your healthcare experience has been like since?
In the winter of 2023 after a clear mammogram test and genetic test results showing I had 0% chance of having any genetic cancers, my OB-GYN had me take the Tyrer-Cuzick lifetime risk assessment test. After receiving a score of 37.3% (anything above 20% is high risk), she sent me to get a breast MRI. After that MRI, an ultrasound, and multiple biopsies, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.
I have undergone five surgeries in the past year and a half: nipple delay, lymph node dissection, double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, a partial hysterectomy (I had my fallopian tubes and uterus removed), and an oophorectomy.
What was the most challenging part of treatment for you?
Although the surgeries were difficult, I think the medication I have to take for five years to suppress my hormone production has been the most taxing on me. The side effects range from debilitating exhaustion to full body aches. Compounded with having a baby (and now a toddler and newborn) at home, I’ve felt defeated at times and have struggled with my mental health. But I’m working through it with my oncologist and beginning to see some positive changes.
What part of treatment did you feel the least prepared for?
I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be emotionally. When I learned of my diagnosis, I didn’t cry or shut down — I became very focused on learning everything I could and taking on each surgery and every new detail that emerged with a clear mind. I couldn’t let fear seep in, although it was always there just beneath the surface.
What were some unexpected challenges of having breast cancer?
Everything about having cancer is unexpected, from the moment you get the diagnosis. It’s not something you can really prepare for. The biggest challenge for me has been finding a way to put myself and my treatment first at times. It feels like never ending doctor appointments and blood tests and medication, and I just want to pretend like I don’t need it and instead hang out with my babies and husband. But I don’t have that option, so I keep pushing forward.
As a breast cancer survivor, how has your healthcare routine changed?
Stress creates cortisol, which is a stress hormone. My cancer feeds on hormones, so I have really made a concerted effort to eliminate as much stress as possible. If I find myself in a stressful situation or dynamic, I’ll ask myself if staying in it would be worth my cancer coming back. The answer is always no.
What advice do you have for young women and other moms dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis?
There’s a beautiful sisterhood of women who have gone through breast cancer, and we are all here for each other. We lift each other up when we feel down and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
To any moms battling breast cancer, please give yourselves a lot of grace to be tired and lie in bed. Break the “No TV” rule and let your kids climb in bed with you and watch a movie. They’ll love being so close to you and there’s truly nothing better than snuggling your babies so tightly you can feel their little breaths on you.
