Olivia Munn underwent a double mastectomy in the previous year following a diagnosis of an aggressive and fast-moving type of breast cancer, as she revealed on Wednesday. Despite a close call with the diagnosis, she considers herself fortunate.
Individuals with mutations in their genes face an elevated risk of breast or ovarian cancer, as per medical experts. Taking a proactive approach to her health, Munn opted for a genetic test in February 2023 that screens for 90 cancer-related genes. Fortunately, she and her sister Sara both tested negative for these mutations, leading to a celebratory phone call between the siblings.
In addition to the genetic test, the 43-year-old actress also underwent a normal mammogram that same winter, just two months before being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Munn expressed her gratitude towards her OB/GYN and “guardian angel,” Dr. Aliabadi, for potentially saving her life by recommending the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT). This tool, also known as The Gail Model, assists doctors in estimating the short-term (within five years) and lifetime (up to age 90) risks of developing breast cancer based on various factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, and reproductive history.
Her personalized risk assessment revealed a 37% lifetime risk, prompting further screenings like MRI and ultrasound, ultimately leading to a biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis.
Breast cancers are categorized into different subtypes based on hormone receptor status, with Munn being diagnosed with the Luminal B subtype. This subtype is known to benefit from chemotherapy and HER2 hormone therapy, providing Munn with treatment options due to the early detection of her cancer.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in the past 10 months, Munn chose to keep her diagnosis private until now, emphasizing the importance of processing the journey before sharing it with others.
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, available online through the National Cancer Institute, aids healthcare professionals in evaluating an individual’s risk based on factors like age at first menstrual period, age at first childbirth, family history of breast cancer, race, and ethnicity. Munn advises individuals to consult their doctors to calculate their Breast Cancer Assessment Score and take necessary screening measures based on the results.
While the BCRAT is a valuable tool, it has limitations, such as not being suitable for individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Additionally, data limitations for specific populations like American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black, and Hispanic women may affect the accuracy of risk estimates. It is essential to discuss with healthcare providers to determine the suitability of the BCRAT for assessing individual breast cancer risk.