Sofia Vergara, the Colombian-American actress and model, who has survived thyroid cancer, is now facing the challenges of divorce. After seven years of marriage, actor Joe Manganiello, 45, filed for divorce from Vergara, citing irreconcilable differences. The news of their split was confirmed in a joint statement released by the couple. The divorce filing was made in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Vergara’s journey with thyroid cancer and her recent divorce highlight the resilience and strength she has demonstrated throughout her life.
Expert Information on Thyroid Cancer
Read MoreVergara’s Cancer Journey
Vergara, who married Manganiello in 2015, found a lump in her neck by chance back in 2000. Vergara's family has a history of thyroid disease, which affects how your body uses blood sugar, so she had taken her son Manolo, now 31, to get checked out early. "While we were there, the doctor wanted to check me, too, and he found a lump in my neck," Vergara said in an interview with Health.Vergara had no symptoms at the time and questioned having to undergo surgery but she went through with itfollowed by iodine radiation treatment, and was glad she did. "When you go through something like this, it's hard, but you learn a lot from it," she said. "Your priorities change. You don't sweat the small stuff. And it had a good ending. She had to take a pill every day. "It controls your body's metabolism and gives you the levels that you need. An unregulated thyroid can lead to problems with your weight, hair loss, and other things, so they give me a blood test every three months to see where my level is," she said.
Related: Student, 20, Finds a Lump On Her Neck She Thought Was Just the Mumps; It Turned Out to be Thyroid Cancer
"Actually, I feel very lucky. In a lot of women, the cancer isn't found until around menopause and by then its too late."
The Latin bombshell, who has always had a charitable side to her, helped build a cancer center in her hometown of Barranquilla.
"I visited the cancer ward of a hospital in Colombia, and parents were just sitting on the floor while their kids were being treated," she said.
"When you're a mother and your kid is sick, you feel it yourself," the mom-of-one added, noting that she wanted to set up a "comfortable place for parents."
Coping with Cancer
Coping with a cancer is a massive challenge, however there are resources available to help patients and their families. Sofia Vergara’s story serves as an inspiration for those facing similar battles. It is important to stay informed about cancer prevention and to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
- Here is a set of resources SurvivorNet has compiled to help families manage the financial aspects of cancer treatment
- Cancer care partners also need help, a start can be found here.
- Mental health can be a huge unmet issues for many cancer patients. Some helpful resources are here:
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.