Lucy Liu opens up about scary cancer misdiagnosis in 1990s health scare

Lucy Liu has opened up about a frightening health experience from the 1990s, revealing she was incorrectly diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump in her breast, a moment that ultimately led to unnecessary surgery.

In an exclusive interview with People, the 57-year-old actress said she first discovered the lump and visited a doctor, where she was told it was cancer without undergoing further diagnostic testing.

“I didn’t really think too much about it,” Liu said. “But it was scary, because at that time, there was less information that was available, because we didn’t have internet.”

Liu explained that she did not receive follow-up screenings such as an ultrasound or mammogram before moving forward with surgery to remove the lump. She later learned the growth was non-cancerous.

The actress said she trusted the initial diagnosis without seeking a second opinion at the time, despite encouragement from friends.

“I sort of thought, ‘Well, what’s the point? The doctor knows what they’re talking about,’” she admitted.

Looking back, Liu said the experience became a turning point in how she approaches her own health care.

“I think that was the beginning of understanding how to advocate for myself,” she said.

Now, Liu is partnering with Pfizer on its Every Breakthrough Matters campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early detection and regular screening for conditions such as cancer.

She emphasized that many people still avoid screenings due to fear or busy schedules, despite the potential life-saving benefits of early diagnosis.

“It’s not about the fixing, it’s about really understanding what screening is, and about information and advocacy,” she said. “It’s a lifesaving thing.”

Liu added that she no longer regrets how the situation unfolded, saying she prefers to focus on growth rather than blame.

“I always look at a situation and I grow from it,” she said, noting the importance of learning from past experiences.