Rachel Zegler Reveals She Experienced a Breast Cancer Scare When She Was 19

Rachel Zegler is using her platform to raise awareness about early breast cancer detection, following candid talks of health in the past. The now 21-year-old West Side Story actress took to Instagram Stories on September 22 to share a photo of a scar on her breast after a breast cancer scare at 19 led to her having an out-patient biopsy procedure.

"Two years ago I found a lump in my breast and went through what was undoubtedly the scariest week of my life," she wrote over the photo.

"No OB/GYN was taking new patients due to the backlog of the pandemic, but I was fortunate to have the care of my pediatrician who prescribed me an ultrasound, which led to an out-patient biopsy procedure," she continued."Thankfully it was benign."

Zegler used her story to encourage everyone to regularly check their breasts for irregular lumps, saying "And now the scar serves as a reminder to check my breasts regularly for any irregular growth."

"The fibroadenoma in my left breast is a common occurrence but nevertheless extremely scary to find. Early detection saves lives!!! Check your t***y meat :)," Zegler concluded her post.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women in the United States. Rachel's message of early breast cancer detection comes at an apt time, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — an annual campaign that works to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.

This isn't the first time that the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs actress has opened up about health. Prior to her rise in fame thanks to the West Side Story revival, the Golden Globe winner had tweeted in 2018, "Hello. My name is Rachel. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and occasionally feel depersonalized/disassociated from reality. I am a work in progress. I am finding the common ground between me and my mind. And that's enough. But please, ask if I'm okay. #EndTheStigma"

She continues to use social media to share encouraging messages to her fans, normalizing conversations around mental health.

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