A Journey of Courage and Resilience
Olivia Munn, the actress known for her role in The Newsroom, has recently shared a deeply personal story about her family’s battle with breast cancer. Just two years after her own diagnosis, she revealed that her mother, Kim Munn, has also been diagnosed with breast cancer. This revelation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families dealing with this disease and underscores the importance of early detection.
In March 2024, Olivia shared her own experience with breast cancer, which she had been diagnosed with nearly a year earlier. Her journey involved five surgeries, including a double mastectomy, a procedure that involves the removal of both breasts. Now, she is supporting her mother through a similar process.
On Instagram, Olivia shared how her mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She reflected on the Lifetime Risk Assessment test, which played a crucial role in her own diagnosis. “I never would’ve predicted it would save my mom’s life as well,” she wrote. This online tool evaluates key factors from personal and family medical history to estimate the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection
In 2023, Olivia encouraged her mother and sister to take the Tyrer-Cuzick Breast Cancer Lifetime Risk Assessment test. According to the assessment’s official website, a score of 20 percent or more indicates a high risk of developing cancer. Olivia’s mother scored a 26.2 percent, even though her mammogram had just come out clear. This prompted her to insist that her mother get an MRI, which led to the diagnosis of Stage 1 Her2 breast cancer.
Since then, Olivia’s mother has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and will continue monthly Herceptin transfusions until this fall. The emotional toll of this experience has been significant for Olivia and her family, especially given her own recent battle with cancer.
Supporting Each Other Through Challenges
Olivia described the emotional impact of watching her mother go through cancer treatment. From being there for her mother after her double mastectomy to helping her find an oncologist, the experience has been challenging. “Going through cancer is really hard. But there’s something about watching a loved one go through it that is even more heartbreaking,” she said.
She also shared her efforts to learn about HER2, a type of breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). During her mother’s treatment, Olivia spent many nights taking care of her, wishing she could fight the fight for her. “It’s no small feat to realize you can’t do it for them,” she added.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
Olivia emphasized the importance of the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment test, which saved both her and her mother’s lives. She urged women everywhere to consider this tool as part of their healthcare plan. “We’re taught about our periods, yearly Pap smears and mammograms at 40. And we now need every gynecologist to incorporate the lifetime risk rest into their care plan,” she said.
She also highlighted her mother’s bravery and humor throughout her treatment. “She’s handled all of this with bravery and humor while still driving us crazy,” Olivia wrote. Despite her recent surgery, Kim tried to do laundry and make dinner, showcasing her resilience.
Celebrating Strength and Support
Olivia concluded her message by thanking the hospital nurses, patient coordinators, and staff who have supported her mother. Her post included several photos of Kim, including one of the duo in the hospital and another of them when Olivia was a baby. There were also images of Kim cooking shortly after her surgery and Olivia’s husband, John Mulaney, sitting with his mother-in-law in the hospital.
The post also featured a video of Kim ringing a bell after completing her chemotherapy, with hospital staff holding up signs that read “No Mo Chemo” and “Straight Outta Chemo.”
A Career Focused on Resilience
Since revealing her breast cancer diagnosis, Olivia has also spoken openly about her career as an actor. During an interview with Inside Edition’s Alison Hall, she recalled filming sex scenes with actor Jon Hamm after undergoing a double mastectomy. “It was tough,” she said, as she plays Hamm’s love interest in the Apple TV+ series Your Friends & Neighbors. “But I really wanted to do it for the character and the show.”
When asked if she was “proud” of herself, Munn replied: “Yeah, it was a big hurdle for me.” Her journey reflects a deep commitment to her craft and a determination to overcome challenges.
