Toni Collette’s Starring Role In the Netflix Movie ‘Pieces of Me’ Has Some Wondering If The Actress Has Cancer

While some may be wondering if the actress has cancer in real life, there is no evidence currently found to support whether or not Collette has cancer. The actress is not active on social media and has not addressed the question online about her health.

Collette says in a recent interview that she was drawn to the story about a mom who battled cancer in Pieces of Her, and she gravitated towards the mother-daughter relationship. She says how the mother and daughter in the film are “gonna have a better relationship now. [Because] the truth will always set you free.”

Collette says she’s a big believer in, and practitioner of, good mental health habits, as well. She meditates daily, and says in the interview, “Keep your conscious clean, and keep your heart open.” In a different interview, she tells Entertainment Weekly how filming Pieces of Her was a draining but rewarding process. “I was bloody exhausted by the end of it,” Collette tells the magazine.

The film is based on the New York Times bestselling thriller of the same title, Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter.

In the film, Andrea "Andy" Oliver (Bella Heathcote) moved back to Belle Isle, a small community where her mom lives, from New York to care for her mom Laura (Collette) when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. Laura makes a full recovery from her cancer, but her daughter Andy remains home in Belle Isle, uninterested in returning to New York. One day, she makes a shocking discovery about her mom after a violent attack when the mother and daughter are out.

Understanding the Breast Cancer Journey

While Pieces of Her is a work of fiction, it’s a truth that many women in the U.S. like the character of Laura, who Collette portrays in the movie battle breast cancer each year.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) there will be approximately 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women living in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is typically detected via a mammogram. It can also be detected accidentally; for instance, if you find a lump in your breast while taking a shower. If you discover something unusual in your body, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Related: When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, your cancer will be qualified as stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, or stage 4. The stage of breast cancer indicates how advanced the cancer is, and whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. Breast cancer that is advanced and has spread is called “metastatic” breast cancer; this refers to the fact that it has metastasized or “spread” to other areas of the body. Metastatic breast cancer is also called “stage 4 breast cancer.”

There are also different types of breast cancer. For instance, there is a type called “triple-negative breast cancer” (TNBC), which is a more aggressive form of the disease. Breast cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Surgical options for breast cancer may include a lumpectomy, or a mastectomy the full removal of one or both breasts. Some people may opt for a preventative mastectomy, if there is a history of breast cancer in the family and thus a higher probability of contracting the disease.

The treatment path for breast cancer will be dependent upon the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Many people find that connecting with a cancer support group, oncological social worker, or a therapist can help during the cancer journey.

What Is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Screening for Breast Cancer

When it comes to breast cancer, mammograms save lives. Early detection is critically important and it can mean broader treatment options as well. Women ages 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually.

Related: When You're Getting a Mammogram, Ask About Dense Breasts

For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer this means they either have a history of breast cancer in the family, or they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation  they should begin screening even earlier, before age 45.

While getting a mammogram, ask about dense breasts, which may obscure cancer. The technician will be able to do determine whether or not you have dense breasts.

When Should I Get a Mammogram?

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