Olivia Munn's Personal Account of Battling Breast Cancer: Her Courageous Health Journey

Olivia Munns Breast Cancer Journey In Her Own Words

Olivia Munn Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Olivia Munn initially decided to keep her breast cancer diagnosis private, but she has since shared many powerful details about her journey.

In March 2024, Munn shared on Instagram that in February 2023, she took a genetic test to check for 90 different cancer genes. She was relieved to find out that she tested negative for all, including the well-known breast cancer gene BRCA. Munn's sister Sara also tested negative, and they celebrated over the phone. Additionally, that same winter, Munn had a normal mammogram.

After receiving negative tests two months prior, Munn was later diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo several surgeries. Despite the challenges, she mentioned that she only cried twice during this difficult time. She explained, "I felt like I didn't have time to cry. I had to stay focused and set aside any emotions that might cloud my judgement."

Throughout her journey, Munn's boyfriend, John Mulaney, remained supportive and by her side.

John has been a great source of support for Olivia during her health crisis. A source shared with We in March 2024 that their son, Malcolm, also played a crucial role in giving Munn the bravery and determination to continue fighting and conquer the challenges she faced.

Olivia Munns Breast Cancer Journey In Her Own Words

During her treatment, Olivia Munn faced a tough battle. She was advised to eliminate hormones to prevent her cancer from coming back. The decision she had to make was whether to endure bedrest while still taking medication or opt for surgical removal of certain organs.

“I did have one real moment of panic,” she shared with Vogue in May 2024. She revealed that she underwent a “full hysterectomy,” which involved the removal of her uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. “A real breakdown. Because it’s just so strange when you’ve been with this body your entire life, had your period for so long, feel when you’re ovulating, and all of a sudden it’s gone.”

Keep reading for Munn’s honest quotes about her experience with breast cancer:

In March 2024, Munn publicly shared her diagnosis and expressed gratitude towards Mulaney for his unwavering support. She took to Instagram to thank him for his dedication in researching the details of her treatments, medications, and potential side effects. Before each surgery, he was by her side, and when she woke up, he made sure she saw framed photos of their son Malcolm, bringing a sense of comfort and love.

In March 2024, she took to her Instagram Story to express her gratitude for the love and support she received after sharing her diagnosis. She mentioned how reading the stories and comments from her followers meant a lot to her and wanted to thank everyone for their kindness.

April 2024

Munn told People that her health struggle was “more terrifying” while raising her son.

"Taking care of a newborn at home heightened my fears. It made me understand that cancer can affect anyone," she shared. By keeping her struggle private, she was able to concentrate better on her recovery. "You can't avoid it, you have to confront it directly."

Olivia Munns Breast Cancer Journey In Her Own Words

Olivia Munn was in shock when she saw herself after surgery. She found it incredibly hard and remembered just looking in the mirror with the doctor. She had no emotion, just taking in what he was saying.

In April 2024, Munn shared with People that she has some divots and dents on one side of her body where the lymph nodes were removed. She mentioned that the scars had to be deeply dug out. Despite this, she bravely wore dresses on the red carpet, although it sometimes made her feel a bit anxious.

April 2024

Munn revealed that her son helped her navigate through dark days by sharing a video of herself laughing with Malcom via her Instagram Story.

Last summer, I went through three surgeries, and the process of recovering was tough mentally and physically. Despite the challenges, little moments like the one captured in this video always managed to brighten my day. This particular memory of my beloved Malcolm stands out as a source of comfort and joy during a difficult time.

During her hysterectomy, the actress shared with Vogue that she was already anxious about the cancer inside her. She knew her breasts would be removed, but it was the visible changes that made her realize life would be different.

Despite friends trying to reassure her that her son wouldn't remember this time, she couldn't shake the feeling of missing out on his childhood. While it's his growing up, she didn't want to miss any part of being his mother if she could help it.

May 2024

In her first on-camera interview since sharing her diagnosis, Munn told Good Morning America that “you never know what’s going on in someone’s life.”

"It feels like you can conquer so many things," she shared. "But sadly, cancer defeats many people."

When Munn received the news about her cancer diagnosis, her immediate thoughts turned to her child. She recalled, "I focused on my baby. The doctors mentioned that with a strong approach, I could battle and overcome this. However, as they continued to discover more tumors in my breasts, the urgency grew. We had to swiftly make significant decisions."

Editor's P/S:

Olivia Munn's candid account of her breast cancer journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite receiving negative genetic test results, she was diagnosed with the disease and had to undergo multiple surgeries. Her decision to keep her diagnosis private initially allowed her to focus on her recovery, but she has since shared her experience to raise awareness and offer support to others.

Munn's openness about the emotional and physical challenges she faced, including hormonal elimination and surgical removal of her organs, sheds light on the complexities of cancer treatment. Her resilience and determination to live a full life despite the challenges she faced are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Her experience also highlights the importance of early detection, as well as the role of loved ones in providing support and encouragement during difficult times.