Rita Wilson has breast cancer.
The actress/singer, 58, has revealed that she was recently diagnosed with the disease, and has already undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
"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," Rita, who has been married to Tom Hanks since 1988, said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday. "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."
Rita revealed she has a condition known as LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), which has been closely monitored – including two recent surgical breast biopsies, both of which "showed no cancer" – but did reveal she had PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ).
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On the advice of a friend who had battled breast cancer (and Rita's "gut"), the actress sought a second opinion.
"A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist," she said. "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."
Adding, "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. I am getting better every day and look forward to renewed health.
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Rita said she chose to share her health struggles in hopes of helping other women.
"I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn't 'feel' right," she said.
Additionally, Rita – who took a leave of absence from her Broadway play, "Fish in the Dark" to focus on her health – will return to the show in May.
Late last week, Rita shared a loving message to her husband on Twitter.
-- Erin O'Sullivan
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