Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Update: Actress Reveals Her Double Mastectomy, Reconstructive Surgery

By Ashwin Subramania - 14 Apr '15 13:23PM

Actress Rita Wilson, 58, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

In a statement made to the media, the actress who is married to Oscar winner Tom Hanks said,"I have taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with a personal health 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 went on to say that she had "an underlying condition of LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), which has been vigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. Recently, after two surgical breast biopsies, PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ) was discovered.."

"I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer," she added.

"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.

During her statement, the actor all stressed the importance of getting a second medical opinion when it comes to battling life threatening diseases.

Wilson said, "My gut told me that was 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 opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen."

"I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn't 'feel' right."