Olivia Munn Reveals Physical Scars from Double Mastectomy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Actress Olivia Munn, 43, has opened up about her battle with breast cancer and the physical scars she bears from undergoing a double mastectomy in 2023. Munn was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in both breasts in April 2023 and underwent the surgery within 30 days of her diagnosis.

Adapting to her new body has been a challenge for Munn. She has had to utilize special makeup techniques to conceal the "divots and dents" on one side of her body where lymph nodes were removed during the surgery. Munn's makeup artist learned to do tattoo-type makeup to cover up the scars, especially for red carpet events like the 2024 Oscars. The actress also grew out her hair to help hide the scars.

Despite the struggle, Munn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fight her illness. "I'm really happy with whatever it is I look like now," she said. "I'm grateful I had the surgeries and the opportunity to fight it." Munn acknowledged that while she sometimes feels sad about wanting to hide certain aspects of her body, she reminds herself that her scars are "battle wounds" and she can choose to show or hide them as she wishes.

Why this matters: Munn's openness about her breast cancer journey and the physical and emotional challenges of undergoing a double mastectomy sheds light on an experience shared by many women. Her story serves as an inspiration, showcasing resilience and the importance of self-acceptance in the face of adversity.

Munn's breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock, as her recent mammogram had been clear. It was her doctor's decision to calculate her lifetime breast cancer risk score that led to the early detection and treatment of her cancer. Munn credited this routine check-up and the use of the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment calculator for the lifesaving diagnosis. She is now a "different version" of herself, being more forgiving and kinder to herself as she embraces her post-surgery body and continues her acting career, including her new show "Friends and Neighbors" for Apple+.

Key Takeaways

• Olivia Munn, 43, underwent a double mastectomy in 2023 for stage 1 breast cancer.
• Munn uses special makeup and hair to conceal scars from the surgery.
• Munn is grateful for the opportunity to fight her illness and embraces her new body.
• Munn's routine mammogram missed the cancer, but a risk assessment led to early detection.
• Munn is more forgiving and kinder to herself as she continues her acting career.