Actress Rita Wilson has revealed that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
In an exclusive statement to People magazine, the actress, who is married to Tom Hanks, bravely opened up about she was "blessed" to have the actor in her life during this difficult time.
The statement revealed that she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinom last week. She is now "recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery", and insisted this was down to catching the cancer early, and getting a second opinion:
"A friend who had 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 opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key.
Wilson ended the statement on a positive note:
"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".
Here's to Rita making a safe and speedy recovery.