Photo Credit: Getty Images
Christy Carlson Romano is opening up about a deeply personal health scare.
The 41-year-old actress shared a candid video on Instagram on Tuesday, Feb. 17, revealing that she recently received a positive cancer screening result. Romano explained that she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, decided to get tested because cancer has affected multiple members of her family.
Both of her parents were previously diagnosed with the disease. While her mother survived, her father later died from cancer. Romano also shared that her maternal grandmother passed away from lung cancer.
"My husband's came back completely negative," she said in the video, pausing before adding, "Mine did not come back negative."
Romano said she will next undergo a PET scan, a diagnostic imaging test used to detect signs of cancer and other conditions. She noted that she is currently working to get the procedure covered by insurance.
The actress became emotional as she reflected on the recent death of actor James Van Der Beek, who died earlier this month following a battle with colorectal cancer. Romano said she had met him several times in Austin, Texas, where they both lived, and described him as a pillar of the community.
"Cancer is everywhere," she said through tears. "Which is why I got this test."
Despite the uncertainty, Romano said she is trying to stay focused on her work, including a recent film project and her upcoming memoir. She also referenced the traumatic incident nearly a year ago when she was accidentally shot near the eye during her husband's birthday celebration.
Calling it a "very vulnerable time," Romano emphasized her faith and her determination to remain strong for her two young daughters.
