Rita Wilson has announced that she has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The singer and actress tells PEOPLE that she has undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
She released this statement; “I have taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with a personal healthy issue. Last week, with my husband by my side and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma. I am recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caught this early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion.
Wilson goes on to say that she was aware of an underlying condition of lobular carcinoma in situ that she monitored throughout the years via mammograms and great MRIs. Recently, she tells PEOPLE, pleomorphic carcinoma in situ was discovered. She wanted to stress this because there is a lot that people do not know about PLCIS. At this point, she said the pathology still showed no cancer.
“I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer. However, a friend who had breast cancer suggested I get a second opinion on my pathology and my gut told me that was the thing to do. A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist. I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinion match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key.”
Wilson is currently on leave from Fish in the Dark, and her replacement has not been announced. Her rep tells E! News that she will return to Broadway May 5. In the mean time, we wish her all the best, and urge everyone to take her advice. It could make the difference in saving someone’s life.
Image credit to FameFlynet
