Olivia Munn is sharing the deeply personal and emotional journey she went through after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she opens up about the shock of seeing her body after surgery and the difficulties she faced during her recovery.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Last year, instead of working on a sci-fi film in Germany, Olivia Munn found herself in a series of meetings with oncologists, surgeons, and reconstructive specialists after she received the devastating news of stage 1 invasive breast cancer in both of her breasts. This lifesaving diagnosis came after a routine pap smear, during which her ob-gyn calculated her lifetime breast cancer risk score—leading to further testing that ultimately saved her life.
Munn explains the overwhelming decision-making process:
“There’s so much information, and you’re making these huge decisions for the rest of your life. I really tried to be prepared, but the truth is, nothing could prepare me for what I would feel like, what it would look like, how I would handle it emotionally.”
The Physical and Emotional Impact
On May 24, 2023, after undergoing a 10-hour double mastectomy, Munn woke up to find her chest bandaged and expanders in place where her breasts had been. But amidst the pain and shock, she also found comfort in a framed photo of her 1-year-old son Malcolm, placed at her bedside by her partner, John Mulaney.
A week later, when her bandages were removed, Munn was faced with the harsh reality of her new body:
“I saw myself for the first time and I was in shock. It was incredibly hard. It was a shock to my system.”
Despite her doctor’s reassurance that the surgery looked “fantastic,” she had a hard time processing what she was seeing in the mirror, feeling numb and detached. Later, in the privacy of her own home, she broke down:
“When I got home, I undressed and looked in the mirror again, and that’s when I just absolutely broke down.”
Recovery and Adjusting to Her New Body
Munn’s journey didn’t stop with the surgery. She opted for expanders over immediate reconstructive surgery to give her body time to rest and heal. After undergoing reconstructive surgery in the fall, she started to feel more comfortable with her body again. While it’s not the same as it once was, she says she’s at peace with the changes, including the scars from her lymph node surgery, which she refers to as her “battle wounds.”
In addition, Munn began hormone suppression therapy to mitigate the risk of future cancer, which put her into medically induced menopause—leading to hot flashes, thinning hair, and exhaustion. However, she remains positive:
“Because I’m here, and I’m extremely happy that I got the opportunity to fight. I was given that chance, and I know a lot of people in my situation don’t have that as an option. So I’m extremely grateful.”
Fighting for Awareness
Looking ahead, Olivia is focused on raising awareness for women at risk of breast cancer. She credits the simple breast cancer risk assessment that led to her life-saving MRI, urging women to advocate for themselves when it comes to their health:
“All I want is for more women to be able to advocate for themselves.”
Munn’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the courage it takes to face such a life-altering diagnosis head-on. Now, as she watches her son Malcolm grow and thrive, she’s determined to help others who may find themselves in a similar situation.
“I’m lucky to be here, and I’m focused on my son and raising awareness for other women.”
