Rita Wilson Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Undergoes Double Mastectomy

Rita Wilson recently underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a statement, the actress revealed everything from her diagnoses to the steps she’s taking to win her fight with the disease.

"I have taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with a personal health issue," she told People in a statement. "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.”

She explained that during a checkup, her mammograms and breast MRIs showed no signs of cancer. "I have had an underlying condition of LCIS, (lobular carcinoma in situ) which has been vigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs,” she explained. “Recently, after two surgical breast biopsies, PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ) was discovered. I mention this because there is much unknown about PLCIS and it is often found alongside DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer.”

But thanks to her friend who encouraged her to get a second opinion, she caught the cancer early. “A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma,” she shared. “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 opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key.”

In the statement, the Girls actress expressed her appreciation for her supportive family and friends. "I feel blessed to have a loving, supportive husband, family, friends and doctors and that I am the beneficiary of advances in the field of breast cancer and reconstruction,” the Good Wife actress said. “I am getting better every day and look forward to renewed health.”