Olivia Munn's Mother Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Actress Credits Risk Assessment Test for Early Detection
Actress Olivia Munn recently shared that her mother, Miss Kim, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This news comes just over a year after Munn herself battled the disease. Munn is now using her platform to encourage women to prioritize their health and utilize available resources for early detection.
The Importance of Risk Assessment
Munn revealed her mother's diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram post. She explained that after her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, she urged her mother and sister to take the Breast Cancer Lifetime Risk Assessment test. This test calculates an individual's risk of developing breast cancer over their lifetime.
Miss Kim's score on the test was 26.2%. Despite a clear yearly mammogram, Munn, concerned by the high score, insisted her mother undergo an MRI. The MRI revealed Stage 1 HER2 breast cancer.
A Mother-Daughter Journey Through Cancer
Munn shared that her mother has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and will continue transfusions of Herceptin until the fall. The experience has been emotionally challenging for both of them.
"From my mom being there after my double mastectomy to me being there after hers...going through cancer is really hard," Munn wrote. "But there's something about watching a loved one go through it that is even more heartbreaking."
Munn as Caretaker
Throughout her mother's treatment, Munn has been a dedicated caretaker. She admitted spending many nights caring for Kim when the chemotherapy became overwhelming. She expressed a desire to "fight the fight for her" but acknowledged that she couldn't.
Munn extended her gratitude to all caretakers, acknowledging the difficulty of their role. "To anyone out there who is taking care of someone or has made it their profession to do so, thank you. These fights can feel near impossible without you."
The Instagram post included a photo of Munn and her mother at a doctor's appointment, as well as a video of Kim ringing the bell after completing chemotherapy, a symbol of completing that phase of treatment. Another photo showed Munn's husband, John Mulaney, visiting his mother-in-law. Munn praised her mother's strength and resilience, noting that she "handled all of this with bravery and humor."
A Public Service Announcement
Munn is now advocating for women to take proactive steps in detecting breast cancer early. She emphasizes the importance of taking the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment test, which is available online and free of charge. She recommends women begin taking the test at age 30 and seek further evaluation if their score is higher than 20%.
Munn stresses that regular mammograms, MRIs (when indicated), and risk assessment tests are all crucial for early detection. She shared her mother's hope that by sharing her story, they can help save lives. Munn also credited Dr. Thäis Alibadi, whom she calls "the guardian angel of guardian angels," for providing life-saving advice.
Olivia Munn's Personal Battle
Munn's advocacy is rooted in her own experience with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in February 2023 after undergoing genetic testing that screened for 90 different cancer genes. Despite a normal mammogram, the genetic test revealed she had cancer.
Munn underwent aggressive treatment, including four surgeries, and described the experience as transformative. She has since become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Embracing Scars and Promoting Body Positivity
Since sharing her story, Munn has been open about her journey and the physical changes she has experienced. She has spoken candidly about embracing her post-mastectomy scars. She participated in a campaign with SKIMS, where she proudly displayed her surgery scar, stating that her scars are "proof of how hard I fought." She hopes to inspire other women to feel confident and empowered in their own bodies, regardless of their scars.
Munn's willingness to share her and her mother's experiences is helping to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. She is using her platform to empower women to take control of their health and advocate for themselves.
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