Catching Cancer Early: Maria Menounos' Health Journey

A Familiar Face with a Powerful Story

Maria Menounos, a well-known TV personality, has faced significant health challenges. In 2017, she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, a meningioma. The experience taught her the importance of prioritizing her health.

A New Health Scare

In 2022, Maria began experiencing bloating and upper abdominal pain. Despite multiple tests, including endoscopies and colonoscopies, the cause remained a mystery. The pain worsened, and a CT scan showed no abnormalities. Undeterred, Maria took charge of her health and pursued further screenings.

The Diagnosis

Maria's persistence paid off when she discovered she had a rare type of pancreatic cancer. Fortunately, it was caught in the early stages, allowing for surgical removal. The operation was complex and demanding, but successful. Maria's timely diagnosis and treatment saved her life.

Advocacy and Awareness

Maria's health journey has been transformative. She now hosts the Heal Squad podcast, focusing on health and navigating the healthcare system. Additionally, she collaborates with Exact Sciences to promote cancer screening.

The Importance of Early Detection

Exact Sciences offers Cancerguard, a blood test that detects biomarkers for over 50 types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, and ovarian cancer. While not perfect, the test provides a valuable screening option.

Maria's story underscores the critical role of early detection in saving lives. Her advocacy encourages others to take control of their health and prioritize regular screenings, especially for cancers without routine screening methods.