TORONTO — Actress Rita Wilson revealed Tuesday she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy.
The 58-year-old star, who is married to Tom Hanks, told People she has had reconstructive surgery and expects to make a full recovery.
“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,” Wilson explained in her statement.
“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 said two surgical breast biopsies showed no cancer but she sought a second opinion with the urging of a friend.
“A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist,” she explained.
READ MORE: The latest news on breast cancer
Wilson said she is speaking about her experience in hopes of helping other women.
“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,” said Wilson. “Early diagnosis is key.”
Wilson’s credits include movies like Sleepless in Seattle and TV series including Girls and The Good Wife. She also co-produced the Toronto-shot comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Wilson is the latest celebrity to speak publicly about having a mastectomy. In 2013, Angelina Jolie revealed she had a double mastectomy after learning she was highly likely to get breast cancer.
Other celebrities who have spoken about their decisions to have mastectomies include Christina Applegate, Wanda Sykes, Sharon Osbourne, Kathy Bates and Olivia Newton-John.
Wilson — whose famous husband said in 2013 he was living with Type 2 diabetes — told People she feels blessed to have so much support.
“I am getting better every day and look forward to renewed health,” she said.
“I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.”
Wilson received tweets of support from a number of celebrities, including these ones:
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