In a recent and deeply personal disclosure, Olivia Munn has bravely shared her journey through a breast cancer diagnosis and the ensuing battle that led to her undergoing a double mastectomy. Her story, as reported by Marlene Lenthang for NBC News, not only sheds light on the stark realities of cancer but also serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for women everywhere regarding the importance of early detection and risk assessment.
At the age of 43, the talented actor found herself facing an unexpected and life-altering challenge. Following a mammogram that was conducted last year, Munn was diagnosed with breast cancer. This led to her enduring four surgeries over ten months, a testament to her resilience and determination. Munn’s experience, marked by days of recovery and a steep learning curve about cancer and its treatments, underscores the unpredictable nature of this disease.
Remarkably, Munn reports only crying twice during this ordeal. She attributes this stoicism to a singular focus on recovery, pushing aside any feelings that might cloud her judgment or hinder her path to wellness. This level of discipline and clarity is something many can draw inspiration from.
Uncovering breast cancer risk
A critical turning point in Munn’s journey came from her “guardian angel,” OB/GYN Dr. Thais Aliabadi, who’s known for working with stars like Rihanna and Khloé Kardashian.
Dr. Aliabadi undertook a comprehensive assessment of Munn’s breast cancer risk. This evaluation, which considered factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, and the age at which Munn had her first child, proved lifesaving. While Munn had previously undergone a genetic test that said she was negative for the BRCA gene, Dr. Aliabadi’s risk assessment told a different story.
Employing a holistic view of Munn’s health, Dr. Aliabadi determined that Munn’s lifetime risk of breast cancer stood at an alarming 37%. This led to further investigations, including an MRI, ultrasound, and eventually a biopsy that confirmed the presence of fast-moving Luminal B cancer in both of Munn’s breasts. Luminal B is known for its aggressive nature, making the swift and decisive action taken by Dr. Aliabadi all the more critical.
Breast cancer treatment and recovery
Only 30 days post-biopsy, Munn underwent a double mastectomy, a decision that undoubtedly saved her life. The rapid progression from diagnosis to treatment highlights the importance of early detection and the effectiveness of personalized care under the guidance of specialists like Dr. Aliabadi.
In sharing her story, Munn hopes to emphasize the critical importance of breast cancer risk assessment, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the significant role that skilled physicians like Dr. Thais Aliabadi play in navigating the complex terrain of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Munn’s gratitude toward her support network, including her family, partner John Mulaney, and the medical team led by Dr. Aliabadi, reflects the collective effort required to face such a daunting challenge. While uniquely hers, Munn’s story serves as a universal call to action for awareness, early detection, and the pursuit of informed healthcare choices.
Olivia Munn’s courage in sharing her experience and Dr. Aliabadi’s exemplary care in this journey are both beacons of hope and education, underscoring the power of resilience, advanced medical practices, and the critical importance of a supportive community.
Make Dr. Aliabadi your Los Angeles OB/GYN
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Diplomate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She specializes in state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and less interruption to their daily lives.
In addition to employing the latest cancer screening and prevention techniques, all diagnostic testing, labs, and surgical and non-surgical treatments are performed in her office.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi is ranked as one of the top gynecology centers in the country. We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles, to name a few.
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