Lucy Liu’s Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Led to Unnecessary Surgery: Why She Says ‘Get a Second Opinion’

Actor Lucy Liu recently opened up about a time when she was misdiagnosed at age 22, which led to unnecessary breast cancer surgery. Now, she is working to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and the value of getting a second opinion.

In 1991, Liu found a lump on her breast. She was 22 at the time. The lump turned out to be noncancerous, but she still went through surgery that was not needed.

“I learned a lot about myself, and I think that was the beginning of advocating for myself, with my health and everything else,” she told Healthline. “I think it was a real moment to, I guess, empower myself and recognize the weakness of…not asking questions…and relying solely on the doctor, and also not getting a second opinion.”

The *Charlie’s Angels* star said that back then, she did not know about screening options such as mammograms and ultrasounds.

“And so, I really didn’t do anything except go in, then go and schedule a surgery,” she said. “I have a lot more curiosity for my health now than I did then.”

Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, chief of hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Health System, said getting a second opinion is always important when it comes to health.

“Cancer is a serious diagnosis, and it can sometimes be quite complicated to diagnose,” he told Healthline.

A study from the hospital where he works looked at diagnoses of myelodysplastic syndromes, a type of leukemia. Researchers compared diagnoses made at community sites with those made by expert pathologists.

“We found that major misdiagnoses occurred 20% of the time, and even more frighteningly, 10% of patients received the wrong treatment for the wrong diagnosis,” Sekeres said. “You owe it to yourself to seek a second opinion on both your diagnosis and the right treatment for that cancer.”

Cancer screenings have become more accurate and less invasive

Liu is now helping spread the word about cancer screenings as part of Pfizer’s Every Breakthrough Matters campaign.

“Knowing that one out of three people are going to be diagnosed with cancer [during their lifetime], that should be initiative enough for us to advocate for ourselves…and motivate ourselves to get an annual checkup,” she said.

Data from 1975 to 2020 shows that more than 1.3 million cancer deaths in the U.S. were prevented because of screening programs. The numbers include:

– Mammograms reduced breast cancer deaths by 260,000 women.
– PSA testing reduced prostate cancer deaths by 200,000 men.
– Pap smears reduced cervical cancer deaths by 160,000 women.
– Colonoscopies and other screening tests reduced colorectal cancer deaths by 740,000 people.

“A screening test identifies cancer in an individual who does not yet have symptoms from the cancer, before you or your doctor even know it’s there,” said Sekeres.

He added that screening tests have become more accurate and less invasive. Doctors are also getting better at recommending when people should get screened.

Mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and regular skin checks are all important ways to stay healthy and prevent more serious problems from cancer, he said.

“PSA testing for prostate cancer should involve a conversation between you and your doctor about the risks and benefits, and screening for lung cancer should be undertaken by high risk groups, such as current smokers aged 50 to 80 years,” Sekeres said.

Ask your doctor lots of questions before you make care decisions

When it comes to screening and your health in general, Liu said, do not be afraid to ask your doctor questions. She also advised against starting your questions with “This is a stupid question.”

“I try to shut that down because I really think that you don’t want to be in a situation where it’s too late,” she said. “And I know people who have been in that situation, and I’ve lost people who have been in that situation.”

If you worry that your questions are embarrassing, she said to remember that no one can be an expert in everything. Give yourself permission to admit when you do not know something.

“It’s asking a professional or professionals who have…specialized in this particular field what their thoughts are and what their opinions are and then…pooling that together with all the other information that you receive so that you can make the right choice moving forward for yourself,” said Liu.

Take control of your health

Over the years, Liu said she has learned that sticking to a strict health routine is not realistic.

“[Because] you expect yesterday or today or tomorrow…to be the same and I think that’s difficult, because the weather changes…events change,” Liu said. “I think that it’s better to just be as present as possible…because if you expect it to be a certain thing every single day, you’re probably going to get disappointed, right?”

Becoming a parent has made this lesson even clearer for her. Being a mom to her son, Rockwell, has pushed her to lead by example when it comes to preventive health.

“[Share with your child,] ‘I’m going to go and get my checkup,’” she said. “Don’t make it something that’s scary.”

She hopes that sharing her personal story will help reduce fear around screenings and encourage others to take charge of their health.

“I don’t often talk about my personal life…and for me to do that…it has to make a difference for someone else,” said Liu. “I often feel like advocacy starts with a personal story, and sometimes you have to reveal something about yourself in order for action to happen, and I’m okay with that.”