Two years after her own cancer diagnosis, Olivia Munn courageously unveiled that her mother has embarked on her own battle against breast cancer. On July 9th, the 45-year-old actress posted on Instagram, "My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer." She continued, "Those who know of my own cancer journey might recall me mentioning the Lifetime Risk Assessment test that ultimately saved my life. Little did I foresee that it would play a pivotal role in saving my mother's too."
Munn elaborated that upon discovering her own breast cancer in 2023, she urgently recommended her mother undergo the Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk assessment. As explained by Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a certified OB/GYN and Munn's physician, this complimentary tool evaluates various factors—such as family history, the onset of menarche, breast density, and the age at first childbirth—to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next decade and throughout her lifetime. A lifetime risk score exceeding 20% is considered high, necessitating further diagnostic screenings.
Despite having a clean mammogram, Munn's mother scored an alarming 26.2%. Insisting on further tests, Munn persuaded her mother to undergo an MRI. "Shortly thereafter, my mother was diagnosed with stage 1 Her2 breast cancer," Munn penned. "She has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and will continue monthly Herceptin infusions until the fall," she continued. "From accompanying my mother post my double mastectomy to being by her side now, from seeking an oncologist for myself to sharing one with my mom, I can attest: battling cancer is incredibly arduous. But witnessing a loved one endure it is even more heart-wrenching."
"My mom's husband, Sam, and I immersed ourselves in learning about Her2, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and cold caps," she recounted. "I spent countless nights caring for my mom when chemotherapy took its toll, longing to shoulder her burden, even if just for a day to afford her respite," she added. "Realizing one cannot fight for them is daunting. To all caregivers, whether personally or professionally involved, my heartfelt gratitude. Your support is invaluable."
Munn's post was adorned with poignant photos and videos chronicling her mother's treatment journey, including a heartwarming clip of her ringing the bell symbolizing the end of chemotherapy. The X-Men Apocalypse star underscored the significance of the breast cancer risk assessment test, emphasizing, "It saved my life and now my mom's."
"We're educated about menstruation, annual Pap smears, and mammograms at 40. It's imperative that gynecologists incorporate lifetime risk assessments into their care plans," she advocated. "Each aspect is crucial; none should be overlooked." She quoted her mother as hoping that by sharing her story, it might help save someone else's life.
"I am immensely proud of my mom," she added. "She has faced all this with bravery and humor, even driving us nuts post her double mastectomy when she insisted on doing laundry and cooking dinner—she's truly remarkable." Munn concluded by expressing gratitude to her mother's medical team.
In April 2023, Munn was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and subsequently endured a grueling series of five surgeries, encompassing a lymph node dissection, a double mastectomy, and a hysterectomy. At the prestigious TIME Women of the Year Gala in February 2025, she stood confidently before the attendees and shared, "I'm doing really well." As an honored guest at the event, she further elaborated with depth, "I'm navigating through various medications, and anyone who has been through cancer, especially breast cancer, understands the intricate science behind discovering the perfect medication." Acknowledging the ups and downs, she expressed that she is now "on the right track" concerning her health.
