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- Kate Walsh, known for her roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” discusses the profound effects of cancer on her life.
- Both of Walsh’s parents succumbed to cancer, and she herself faced a significant cancer scare.
- The actress, currently starring in “Emily in Paris,” is advocating for the significance of early detection.
Award-winning actress Kate Walsh has personal connections to cancer that deeply shape her perspective. In 2015, she received a diagnosis of a brain tumor at the age of 48.
“Fortunately, it was benign, and I was able to have it surgically removed. Since then, I’ve been quite healthy,” shared Walsh, who recently appeared in the third season of the popular series “Emily in Paris.”
Before her diagnosis, Walsh lost a close high school friend to breast cancer.
“She battled breast cancer multiple times before ultimately passing away at just 44 years old. It’s heartbreaking, and far too young,” Walsh recounted to Healthline.
Walsh’s journey with cancer loss began in her youth when her father was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and given a prognosis of six months. She was only 23 at the time.
“He managed to live for a year and a half after his diagnosis, which was a blessing because it allowed me to spend precious time with him, even though I lived in another state. Losing my father at such a young age was incredibly traumatic,” Walsh reflected.
Years later, her mother received a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 62. “It started with irregular cells and lumpectomies, eventually leading to a double mastectomy. Thankfully, she remained cancer-free for nearly three decades thereafter,” Walsh explained.
At the time of her mother’s diagnosis, Walsh was 28, and she felt compelled to advocate for her own screening mammogram. “I had to really push to get my mammogram and ultrasound because of my mother’s history,” she noted.
“This regulatory body provides evidence-based recommendations to prevent cancer and other diseases, extending life,” said Dr. David Cohn, a gynecologic oncologist and interim CEO at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“Their guidelines historically influence insurance coverage for any recommended testing,” Cohn added in his discussion with Healthline.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), some multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests can identify which organ is affected by cancer, while others may only indicate cancer’s presence, requiring further testing or imaging for precise identification of abnormal DNA or proteins.
“This technology is something that wasn’t available to my parents’ generation or even mine,” remarked Walsh. “Now at 57, witnessing the advancements in tests that can screen for multiple cancers with just a blood sample is truly incredible. Early detection is vital as it opens up more options for treatment.”
Though MCED tests show great potential for early cancer detection, they have not yet received FDA approval. Experts emphasize the need for additional research to determine the most effective application of MCED tests in clinical practice.
“There are concerns among public health experts that these tests might worsen health disparities if equity is not prioritized during their development,” Cohn explained. “Minorities are often underrepresented in clinical trials and cancer screening data, which are crucial for advancing these technologies.”
When her father was diagnosed with lung cancer, Walsh was living a carefree life in her 20s, engrossed in her work and neglecting her health. However, her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her lifestyle.
“At 48, it became clear that I couldn’t maintain that lifestyle indefinitely,” Walsh shared. “I embraced meditation and focused on fitness, Pilates, and outdoor activities like skiing.”
Today, Walsh adheres to expert recommendations to lower her cancer risk, which include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol, avoiding tobacco, using sunscreen, managing stress, and ensuring quality sleep.
“Prevention is crucial, and making positive lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower overall cancer risk,” Cohn emphasized.
