Olivia Munn's Breast Cancer Test

A breast cancer risk assessment test led to X-men: Apocalypse star Oliva Munn’s breast cancer diagnosis.

Olivia Munn, 45, is an American actress best known for her roles in X-Men: Apocalypse, Magic Mike and The Newsroom. In March 2024, she wrote in an Instagram post sharing how she discovered she had stage 1 breast cancer.

In her Instagram post, Munn mentioned that her gynecologist decided to calculate her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. Anything above a score of 20% is considered high risk. Munn’s score was 37.3%, even thought she had no symptoms, and no known cancer-causing mutations in her genes.

She wrote, “because of the score I was sent to get an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy. The biopsy showed that I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer.”

Munn further shared that 30 days after her biopsy, she had a double mastectomy. A double mastectomy involves removing both breasts and is commonly performed as a preventative measure or as part of a treatment plan. It is often advised for breast cancer patients who are at a very high risk of developing breast cancer.

Over the past two years, Munn has been advocating for women’s health and breast health.

“I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options,” She wrote, “I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day. Ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score.”

There is currently no standardized way of determining breast cancer risk. However, healthcare professionals possess various tools that can aid in determining an individual’s risk. These tools come in various forms, but some examples include:

• Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT), also known as the Gail model
• International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS) risk calculator, also called the Tyrer-Cuzick model
• Claus model, based on the Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study

Many of these tools take into account various factors such as your personal history, family history, medical history, and other relevant factors. Breast cancer risk assessment can often elicit feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in individuals, but they can provide crucial information necessary for early breast cancer detection.

Learn more: Breast Cancer Risk and How It Is Determined: A Closer Look

Screening refers to tests aimed at detecting diseases or conditions even before any symptoms are present. In the case of breast cancer, yearly mammograms for women aged 40 and older are encouraged, though this may vary according to individual risk factors and circumstances. Depending on various factors, alternative or additional methods, such as breast MRI scans or breast ultrasounds, may also be used.

Breast cancer screening may be able to detect breast tumors when they’re still small and even before a lump or any symptoms are observed or felt. Many cancers detected at this stage are highly treatable, and women in the appropriate age range are recommended for regular screenings. Women at a higher risk for breast cancer may be recommended more frequent or additional screenings. However, it is crucial to be aware of the advantages and potential harms of breast cancer screening, and consult your doctor about any concerns regarding your breast cancer risk and if a screening mammogram is appropriate for your situation.

Learn more: Advantages and Disadvantages of Screening Mammograms: What You Should Know