Olivia Munn Shares How Motherhood Shaped Her Breast Cancer Battle

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Olivia Munn Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Olivia Munn opened up about her battle with breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with last year. In a cover story for People magazine published on April 17, the 43-year-old actress shared how having a young child at home, 2-year-old son Malcolm with John Mulaney, intensified her fears. She emphasized that cancer does not discriminate and can affect anyone, forcing them to confront it head-on.

Munn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fight the disease and credited her son for keeping her spirits high. She shared that being with her son brings her happiness and a break from thinking about her illness. She emphasized that regardless of any physical changes she may experience, being there for her son is what truly matters to her.

Before this experience, the actress mentioned that she never really thought about death or feared it.

She shared, "You have to make big decisions with so much information for your future. I thought I was ready, but the reality hit me hard. It was much more challenging emotionally than I ever imagined."

In March, Munn shared on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She hoped that by opening up about her health struggles, she could encourage more women to prioritize getting tested.

Munn also mentioned that she had already gone through four surgeries. Despite the challenges, she admitted to only crying twice. She explained that she needed to stay focused and set aside emotions that might cloud her judgment.

Olivia Munn Grateful for Support After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Wanted to Express My Gratitude 097

Olivia Munn. Courtesy of Olivia Munn/Instagram

Just two months after receiving a negative result from a genetic screening, Munn found out she had breast cancer. She decided to keep this news to herself initially, wanting to deal with the difficult emotions privately. However, she recently revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy. "One day I felt perfectly fine, the next I woke up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery," she disclosed in an interview.

In her interview with People, Munn discussed her choice to keep her cancer journey private from the public eye.

She revealed that she had kept her health struggles private for a long time, allowing her to focus on fighting without any distractions. Since November 2023, she has been undergoing hormone suppression therapy, which has caused her to experience medically induced menopause. She mentioned feeling constantly hot, noticing her hair thinning, and feeling fatigued frequently.

Munn expressed her gratitude towards her boyfriend Mulaney for his unwavering support throughout her journey. She mentioned how he took the time to research each operation and medication, learning about the potential side effects and recovery process. The comedian was by her side before and after every surgery, even bringing photos of Malcolm to show her as soon as she woke up.

Mulaney, 41, responded to her heartfelt tribute by writing in the comments section, “Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you.”

Mulaney and Munn started dating in early 2021 following his separation from ex-wife Anna Marie Tendler. Their divorce was finalized in January 2022, two months after welcoming Malcolm in November 2021.

Mulaney has been a great source of support for Munn during her health scare, providing her with courage and strength to keep fighting and overcome the challenges. A source exclusively shared this with We last month.

Munn has expressed her gratitude towards her friends, family, and loved ones for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

"I want to express my gratitude for all the love and support I received after sharing my diagnosis yesterday," she wrote on her Instagram Stories the day after revealing the news. "Your stories and comments have meant a lot to me, and I am truly grateful for all of it."

Editor's P/S:

Olivia Munn's candid account of her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her unwavering determination to prioritize her son's well-being amidst her own health struggles is a testament to the strength of a mother's love. Munn's story sheds light on the importance of regular screenings, as she was diagnosed just two months after a negative genetic test result. Her decision to keep her diagnosis private initially allowed her to focus on her recovery without external pressures.

Munn's experience also highlights the vital role of support systems in coping with cancer. Her boyfriend, John Mulaney, has been a constant source of strength, providing unwavering care and research to help her navigate the challenges of treatment. Munn's gratitude for her loved ones' support underscores the importance of community and connection during difficult times. Her journey serves as a reminder that cancer affects not only the individual but also those around them, and that support and understanding can make a profound difference in the fight against the disease.