- Olivia Munn recently underwent surgery
- Munn had a mastectomy performed
- She is coping with it as best she could
In an emotional and raw revelation, Olivia Munn shared her heart-wrenching journey from being diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer to undergoing a double mastectomy and the subsequent struggle with her breast reconstruction results.
A Shocking Diagnosis
The actress, known for her vibrant presence and acting prowess, opened up on the health and wellness podcast, SheMD, about the rollercoaster of emotions she's faced in her fight against cancer and the path to self-acceptance.
Munn first dropped the bombshell news of her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, a diagnosis that came as a complete shock, especially after clear mammograms and negative BRCA gene tests. Her battle took a drastic turn when, within a month, she underwent several procedures, including a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery.
Munn explained that she initially felt uneasy about the reconstruction after her doctor said that since she lost so much breast tissue during her double mastectomy, she needed "a larger implant just to fill the skin."
"I didn't want to have big breasts. I didn't want them to look like a boob job. [The surgeon] was just very clear, [and told me,] 'It's going to look like that,'" she recalled. "All I care about is that I'm alive and I'm here for my baby. But putting that to the side, I'm like, one day people will forget or not know that I had cancer, but they'll look at me and go, 'Oh, what a bad boob job.'"
The actress candidly shared her initial devastation upon seeing her reconstructed breasts for the first time, revealing a vulnerability that resonated with many.
The Struggle with Self-Image
"I was by myself in my bathroom, and I looked at them and I cried in a way that I don't think I've ever cried in my life," she said.
"I was devastated. I didn't recognize myself. I didn't know how I would ever dress myself again. I thought, 'Oh, there are so many styles, so many things that I'll never be able to wear.' It just looked like someone took off my breasts and then took some tape and paper and stuff and Tupperware, and they're like, 'Here.'"
Although she felt “much better” about the results as time went on, Munn admitted on the show that she’s still self conscious about how her breasts look, which is "a big reason" why she grew her hair out.
Munn's journey of acceptance is ongoing, as she admits to growing her hair longer to hide scars and implants, signaling a poignant effort to reclaim some sense of normalcy and comfort in her altered appearance.
Despite the personal challenges, Munn's story is one of resilience and hope. Her experience underscores the importance of regular health screenings and being proactive about one's health. Munn credits her life-saving diagnosis to her ob-gyn's decision to use a Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment calculator, a tool that ultimately led to the early detection of her cancer.
Today, the actress is determined to use her platform to raise awareness and encourage other women to take charge of their health.
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A journey of courage and style
Olivia Munn's candidness about her battle with breast cancer and the aftermath of her reconstruction surgery offers a raw look into the realities faced by many women undergoing similar journeys.
Her resilience and determination to spread awareness serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of health vigilance. Never miss a story like Olivia's — sign up for daily updates on celebrity news and human interest stories that inspire and move us all.
