Rita Wilson, 58, has a new article in People Magazine detailing her personal health crisis following a breast cancer diagnosis. Her story is a little complicated and I hope I can explain it well. For years, Rita has had abnormal breast tissue that is not in itself cancerous, but indicates an increased chance of developing cancer later on. It’s called lobular carcinoma in situ and is when abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts/lobules of the breasts. Due to this pre-existing condition, Rita gets regular mammograms. In a breast biopsy, they found other types of abnormal cells in her ducts (they’re called pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ) which are also not cancerous, but often co-exist with cancerous cells. (Here’s a study with more on that.)

One doctor told Rita that the additional abnormal cells did not indicate that she had cancer, but a friend encouraged her to get a second opinion. A second and then a third doctor confirmed the existence of actual cancerous cells in her ducts (called invasive lobular carcinoma) and so she opted for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She had the procedure last week and is sharing her story now. Here’s what she told People:

“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.

“I have 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 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.

“However, 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.

“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.

“I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.”

[From People]

A friend of mine had an abnormal mammogram and was told that her biopsy was not cancerous so I will tell her about this story in case it’s useful at all. I feel like a tool for bringing it up, but I will talk to her about it. It’s hard to talk to friends and family about these very serious health issues. When people like Rita Wilson and Angelina Jolie reveal their personal health issues it helps open up conversations that may save lives.

Unfortunately not everyone can afford to get a second opinion as Rita did and she acknowledges this in her statement. NPR had a sobering report this morning about how some cancer patients are opting out of treatments because they’re too expensive. It’s a similar story for early detection and preventative treatment.