Starting the Next Chapter: Survivorship
- Olivia Munn is applauding Kate Middleton for her openness about the emotional struggles that can come after cancer treatment, saying she was deeply moved by the Princess of Wales’ honesty about her recovery.
- Munn beat hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer after having both her breasts removed, a hysterectomy, removing her uterus, as well as surgeries to remove her fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Last year, Middleton announced that an abdominal surgery she underwent revealed that cancer “had been present” in her body. However, she has not yet specified the exact type of cancer she was diagnosed with. She also completed chemotherapy treatment last year and was declared in remission earlier this year.
- It’s important to remember that survivorship, like in Munn or Middleton’s cases, isn’t just an end state – it’s a continuous journey. It begins the moment a person is diagnosed with a significant health condition and continues throughout their life. You might hear people say things like, from the moment of diagnosis, you become a survivor.”
- It’s a powerful sentiment that reflects the courage and resilience involved in battling a serious illness.
Munn, who shares two children with her comedian husband John Mulaney and beat hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, exclusively told E! News in a recent interview how impactful it was to witness Middleton’s honesty and straightforwardness about her health.
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Munn continued, noting that prior to starting her cancer treatment, she was fully aware of the five surgeries she would undergo, the necessary tests, and the prescribed medications.
“Then you get to a place, you’re like, ‘OK, I’ve done it all.’ And they go, ‘Oh yeah, but now you have to do this for the next five years. And then for the rest of your life you have to do this and you have to abstain from this,'” she recalled.
Referencing Middleton’s acknowledgment of the emotional challenges she faced throughout her journey, Munn shared, “She said something that I had been feeling but wasn’t able to articulate even to myself. I had those same feelings, but I was just looking at it as one big journey.
“But she’s right when she’s like, there’s this part and then there was the phase after that’s really, really difficult. So I really, really appreciated her saying that.”
Munn was referring to when Middleton spoke this summer, during a hospital visit in Essex, about the struggles she’s endured when treatment concluded.
Middleton, who announced she was in remission from an undisclosed type of cancer, which she completed chemo for last year, had said, “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment is done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.
“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to. And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you, and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.”
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As per BBC, Middleton further spoke on how a diagnosis or post-treatment can be life-changing, adding, “You have to find your new normal and that takes time… and it’s a rollercoaster it’s not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it’s not, you go through hard times.”
It’s wonderful to know how Middleton’s openness has made an impact on women like Munn, who also acknowledged that her experience with cancer helped her truly value slowing down, finding peace in simple moments, and showing herself grace.
She concluded to E! News, “A win is getting the little things done, but a win is also at the end of the day, not feeling bad that I didn’t get the things done.”
Kate Middleton’s Cancer Recovery
In September 2024, Middleton announced her remission through a heartfelt social media post, featuring a video of her enjoying time in nature with her family.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Middleton said in the footage.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Middleton added.
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She had earlier revealed that post-operative tests following “major abdominal surgery” showed that cancer “was present” in her body.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything,” Middleton said.
Middleton went on to say that this period of time “has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Announcing her newfound mission, she said that “doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
“Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life,” she continued. “William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
She ended with a message of hope and compassion for everyone impacted by the disease, saying, “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright.”
Olivia’s Breast Cancer Journey
Olivia Munn’s breast cancer diagnosis emerged despite receiving a “normal” mammogram and testing negative for the BRCA-gene mutation, which increases your risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
At the suggestion of her OBGYN, the actress underwent a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, which helps determine a woman’s probability of getting breast cancer. Her results called for additional screening, which revealed she had an aggressive form of cancer in both of her breasts.
“I wouldn’t have found my cancer for another year – at my next scheduled mammogram – except that my OBGYN…decided to calculate my Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The fact that she did save my life,” Munn said in an Instagram post, shared in March 2024.
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment she credits for catching her breast cancer is a “statistical model that allows healthcare professionals to calculate the probability of a woman developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime,” Dr. Ruth Oratz, breast medical oncologist, NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center; clinical professor of medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine tells SurvivorNet.
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Munn underwent genetic testing to better understand her cancer risk. Genetic tests can be as simple as a simple saliva swab or blood sample. The results help your care team determine if you have a specific mutation that puts you at higher risk for cancer. The results help doctors tailor your treatment and are helpful for breast cancer patients.
“I tested negative for all (different cancer genes), including BRCA,” Munn said.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are among the most important genes to look for in breast cancer. Together, they are responsible for about half of all hereditary breast cancers. These genes prevent cells from dividing haphazardly and uncontrollably in a person without mutations. Mutations prevent these genes from doing their job and can allow unchecked growth of breast, ovarian, and other tissues.
Two months after undergoing genetic testing, Munn was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer in both of her breasts.
According to research in “Breast Cancer,” luminal B tumors are of a “higher grade” and tend to have a worse prognosis. This type of breast cancer is estrogen-positive (ER), meaning it is fueled by the hormone estrogen. It can also be progestogen (PR) negative, meaning it is not fueled by progestogen. This type of breast also tends to have a higher expression of the Ki67 protein, making it grow quickly. Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are often used to treat this type of cancer. Luminal is one of several types and is distinguished by its molecular makeup.
‘Your Emotional Well-Being’ Can Impact Overall Survival
Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, says that maintaining good emotional health and quality of life is associated with better survival and better outcomes for patients. She encourages cancer patients to prioritize their emotional health for this reason.
“So definitely working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being, definitely working on those things and making them better are important and can impact your survival,” Dr. Chase told SurvivorNet.
WATCH: How emotional health plays a role in the cancer journey.
Dr. Chase suggests tapping into your support network, which includes loved ones like friends and family if you need help discovering what brings you positive emotions. You can also seek help from a patient advocate or a support group either in-person or virtually that shares your cancer or disease.
These important people in your life can help you navigate your emotions and even join you for fun activities to boost your emotional health, which in turn, can help how you address any lasting physical ailments.
What You Need to Know About Survivorship
Whether you are just starting your path as a survivor or have been navigating it for some time, you’ll eventually discover that “survivorship” carries multiple dimensions. At its core, it refers to living beyond a significant challenge or diagnosis, such as cancer. More precisely, it encompasses the phase after treatment when an individual moves beyond simply surviving to actively embracing and thriving in their renewed life.
It’s important to remember that survivorship, like in Munn and Middleton’s cases, isn’t just an end state – it’s a continuous journey. It begins the moment a person is diagnosed with a significant health condition and continues throughout their life. You might hear people say things like, “from the moment of diagnosis, you become a survivor.”
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It’s a powerful sentiment that reflects the courage and resilience involved in battling a serious illness.
Being a survivor also means redefining your life while coping with the aftermath of disease and its treatment. This phase might include the challenge of dealing with physical and emotional changes, attending regular check-ups, the fear of recurrence, or the need for long-term medication. Despite these hurdles, many survivors find unique strength, growth, and transformation during this time.
Survivorship is much more than just the absence of disease—it’s a new stage of life, a rite of passage. Your journey might not have been one you would have chosen, but through it, you’ll uncover a greater understanding of yourself and what you’re capable of. Each person’s survivorship journey is unique, and how you choose to travel is entirely up to you.
Remember—navigating this new terrain called “Survivorship.” It might be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. There are ample resources and support systems designed to help you along the way.
Continued Medical Care
Don’t lose sight of the importance of continued medical care – always keep your follow-up appointments and adhere to any healthcare recommendations.
Remember, embracing these coping strategies can help you navigate your way into survivorship with greater ease and renewed energy. Just remember – slow and steady wins the race! You’ve overcome huge hurdles, it’s okay to take this new stage of your life at your own pace.
Resilient learning to overcome any obstacle
Additionally, health checkups are an integral part of maintaining wellness and spotting potential health issues early. This holds true for everyone, but even more so for a person who’s in the throes of survivorship.
One of the main reasons you’ll want to maintain routine health checks is to monitor for recurrence. While the hope is always for complete recovery, there’s a possibility of the disease returning—even with successful treatment. Regular checkups allow you to keep a vigilant eye on the situation, leading to early detection and treatment if any problem emerges.
Managing Other Health Conditions & Healthy Lifestyle Changes, Matters Too!
A survivorship journey can occasionally lead to new health conditions, including heart problems, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Routine screenings and monitoring help keep these conditions under control, ensuring they don’t escalate into major health risks.
Regular checkups also serve as an opportunity for your health care provider to give advice on healthy lifestyle changes. This includes exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and quitting habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption—factors that can significantly lower the risk of recurrence or other health issues.
‘Adversity and the Art of Happiness,’ How Hardship Makes You Stronger
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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