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Disney star Christy Carlson Romano has disclosed that she might be facing a potential cancer diagnosis following a recent medical screening.
The 41-year-old actress shared an emotional update in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, February 17. “Recently, I underwent a cancer screening. Cancer runs in my family—both of my parents battled it. My mom survived, but my dad did not. My grandmother on my mom’s side also had lung cancer and passed away,” she explained, speaking from her couch at home.
Romano, who has just concluded filming the upcoming Hallmark movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, continued, “I received my results shortly before heading to Florida for filming. While my husband’s results were completely negative, mine were not, indicating that I may have a form of stageable cancer.”
Romano has been married to writer and producer Brendan Rooney since 2013. Together, they have two daughters, Isabella, 9, and Sofia, 7.
In related news, fellow actor James Van Der Beek emphasizes the importance of honesty regarding his own cancer experience, especially with his children. “I’m no expert, but we approach it by being as truthful as possible, tailored to their level of understanding,” Van Der Beek, 48, shared in an interview with Today.
The actress took to the video’s caption to detail her next steps. “I’m going in for a PET scan later this week and hopefully it’s something easy to treat,” she wrote. “I debated whether or not I was going to post this because I was afraid I’d come off “cringe.” But I decided it was my duty to share, so that people get out there and get screenings.”
Romano, who is best known for her starring role as Ren Stevens in the Disney Channel’s Even Stevens, also spoke of how James Van Der Beek’s recent death at the age of 48, as a result of cancer, inspired her to undergo a cancer screening herself.
“I’m in Austin and I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a bunch. His family is amazing, he was a pillar of our community in Texas,” she explained through tears. “They always were raising money for the most amazing charities but he’s not with us anymore, and cancer is everywhere — which is why I got this test.”
James Van Der Beek is sharing an update on his cancer battle in an emotional new Today show interview. “I feel a little bit better every month. It’s required more of me — more patience, more discipline. More strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong, I didn’t know I was this […]
Romano’s cancer scare comes approximately one year after she was shot in the face while celebrating her husband’s birthday. Sharing how the incident changed her life “profoundly” via Instagram in February 2025, Romano shone a light on her evolved mindset at the time. “I’m feeling more grateful than I’ve ever felt in my life and I’m healing really well. Every day, to me, is a gift,” she told fans. “I used to be so closed off about sharing the things in my life I loved out of fear of being judged. Now I just don’t care.”
Romano was just as candid in Tuesday’s video. “[This is a] very vulnerable time for me. About 367 days since I got shot in the face,” she said. “Time to have a strong sense of faith and know that it’s in God’s hands, most of it. I’m sure people think I’m overreacting but I’m not because cancer’s pretty f***ing serious and I have two little girls. This is a very emotional post.”
She concluded her health update on a positive note, demonstrating a determined approach to tackling whatever the future will bring. “When you’re somebody like me, you have to take life a day at a time and really be grateful for all the amazing stuff around you,” she said before giving fans two thumbs up. “So, know that I have a loving family around me to support me and I’m going to keep fighting for answers and eventually giving you updates.”