Actress Rita Wilson announces she has breast cancer, expects recovery

Actress and producer Rita Wilson announced Tuesday that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy.

“Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma,� she said in an interview with People magazine. “I am recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery.�

Wilson, 58, has been married to actor Tom Hanks since the late 1980s, and the couple have two children. She has appeared in a number of films, including “Sleepless in Seattle,� and was a producer of the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.�

Wilson said she has taken a leave from appearing in the Broadway play “Fish in the Dark� to get treatment.

In the interview, Wilson encouraged other women to “trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.�

Actress Angelina Jolie has undergone elective surgeries to reduce her cancer risk, which she has written about in the New York Times.

Wilson said she has an underlying condition that she has monitored with yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. Her cancer was discovered after a friend who had had breast cancer suggested Wilson get a second opinion.

“I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen,� she told People. “Early diagnosis is key.�