Maria Menounos, who underwent surgery in 2017 to remove a meningioma and in 2023 to remove a neuroendocrine cancer of her pancreas, hosts a podcast called the Heal Squad. (Photo: Lemieux Creative LLC 2021)
Lemieux Creative LLC 2021
If you’re not a fan of worms, you may not care if the early bird catches the worm. However, early detection of cancer can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment. Emmy Award-winning TV host, author, and podcaster Maria Menounos experienced this firsthand when her neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer was detected early, before it could spread further. This experience motivated Menounos to collaborate with Exact Sciences, the creators of a multi-cancer screening blood test called Cancerguard, to advocate for increased cancer screening. I recently had a conversation with Menounos, known for her work on Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and E! News, about her journey.
Menounos’ Battle with Cancer
In 2016, Menounos’ mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. While caring for her mother, Menounos began experiencing symptoms herself, leading to the discovery of a meningioma in her brain. Despite the benign nature of meningiomas, Menounos underwent surgery to remove the tumor. This experience emphasized the importance of paying attention to her health.
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
In 2022, Menounos experienced unexplained symptoms in her abdomen, eventually leading to a diagnosis of neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. Despite initial fears, the cancer was detected at stage 2, making surgical removal possible. After a challenging surgery and recovery, Menounos welcomed her daughter Athena with her husband.
The Importance of Early Detection
Menounos emphasizes the significance of early detection in cancer treatment. She hosts the Heal Squad podcast, where she shares health journeys and advocates for proactive healthcare. Partnering with Exact Sciences, Menounos promotes expanded cancer screening to catch diseases early.
Advocacy for Expanded Screening
Exact Sciences offers a multi-cancer early detection blood test called Cancerguard, which screens for over 50 types of cancer. While not perfect, this test provides a crucial tool for early detection, especially for cancers without routine screenings.
Expanded screening methods like Cancerguard offer hope for detecting cancer in its early stages, improving treatment outcomes. Menounos’ journey underscores the importance of proactive healthcare and the impact of early detection on cancer survival rates.
