Television personality Maria Menounos had a premonition about her pancreatic cancer diagnosis months before it was confirmed. In an episode of her podcast last April, Menounos discussed her concerns about her health and her suspicion that something was wrong with her pancreas. Little did she know that her intuition would prove to be correct.
In January of this year, Menounos, 45, was diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. She underwent surgery the following month to remove the tumor. After going public with her diagnosis, a viewer reached out to her, pointing out that she had predicted her illness on her show. Menounos confirmed this during an interview with Hoda Kotb on the podcast “Making Space.”
Leading up to her diagnosis, Menounos had been experiencing symptoms and had a gut feeling that something was off. She discussed her concerns on her own podcast, “Heal Squad.” Menounos recalled that for over a year and a half, she had noticed significant bloating and wondered what was causing it. She underwent testing for celiac disease but received no answers.
In March 2022, Menounos had an endoscopy and colonoscopy in an attempt to uncover the root of her health issues. However, the source of her symptoms remained a mystery. Undeterred, Menounos continued to investigate, documenting her bloating through photographs and experimenting with different diets.
In April 2022, Menounos aired an episode of her podcast focused on tuning into one’s body. During the episode, she expressed her belief that her pancreas might be the culprit behind her health problems. Two months later, in June, Menounos received another shocking diagnosis – Type 1 diabetes. She initially couldn’t believe it, as she saw no reason for a person her age to develop this condition. However, research indicates that the onset of diabetes, particularly in individuals over 50, can be an indication of pancreatic cancer.
Menounos’ symptoms worsened in the fall of 2022, with intense abdominal pains that she described as excruciating. She even feared for her life during a plane ride. She attributed the pain to a gluten sensitivity but later experienced a month-long bout of diarrhea, prompting her to seek medical attention. Despite multiple tests yielding unremarkable results, Menounos persisted, advocating for her own health.
Finally, in December 2022, Menounos underwent a full-body MRI that revealed a mass on her pancreas. A biopsy confirmed that it was a stage 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Menounos underwent surgery to remove the tumor, part of her pancreas, her spleen, a fibroid, and 17 lymph nodes. Fortunately, the treatment was successful, and Menounos announced that she is now cancer-free.
Menounos hopes that her experience will serve as a reminder for others to be proactive about their health. She encourages individuals to pay attention to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and seek medical attention if they experience consistent symptoms such as pain, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation. Menounos believes that being proactive and persistent in addressing health concerns is essential.
In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Menounos has teamed up with PanCAN to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Her journey has taught her the importance of being the CEO of her own health and relying on her internal guidance. Menounos wants others to remember that they have the power to take charge of their health and should never ignore persistent pain or symptoms.
