christy carlson romano shares tearful update after positive cancer screening

Christy Carlson Romano revealed in an emotional Instagram video on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) that a recent cancer screening returned a positive result and that she will pursue additional testing, including a PET scan. The 41-year-old actress and podcast host said she and her husband both took screening tests; his results were negative while hers were not.

Screening result, immediate next steps

Romano described getting the initial screening and receiving results shortly before filming in Florida. She stressed that a positive screening result is not a diagnosis, but a trigger for further workup. The next step she outlined is a PET scan, an imaging test used to evaluate metabolic activity in tissues and help doctors determine whether a suspicious finding is malignant. Romano said she hopes the follow-up is "something easy to treat. "

She framed the decision to get screened as precautionary, driven by family history and by recent losses in her community. Living in Austin allowed her to spend time with friends and neighbors affected by cancer, which reinforced her decision to pursue testing. Romano said she has been pushing insurance companies to cover these kinds of screenings, and that she is fighting for coverage for herself and others.

Family history, personal reaction and community context

Romano spoke candidly about her family’s cancer history: both of her parents faced cancer and her father ultimately died from the disease; her maternal grandmother also died from lung cancer. She described getting the screening as a way to be proactive, saying, "Cancer is everywhere, which is why I got this test. "

The news visibly moved her. She said she was "nervous and a bit scared, " and noted the additional worry that comes with raising two young daughters, ages 9 and 7. Romano also referenced the recent death of a fellow actor and community member to colorectal cancer, saying she had been able to meet with him and his family in Austin before his passing. That loss, she said, reinforced the urgency of getting screened.

Despite the fear, Romano emphasized gratitude and resilience. She mentioned an upcoming memoir and thanked her family for their support as she pursues answers. She told viewers she will provide updates as testing and treatment plans become clearer.

Why screenings matter and what comes next

Cancer screening aims to detect signs of disease before symptoms start so that treatment can be more effective. Different screenings are recommended based on age and risk factors, and not every cancer has a routine screening test. Romano’s experience highlights the role of family history and personal concern in prompting someone to seek proactive testing.

Romano’s immediate focus is completing the PET scan and consulting with specialists to determine whether the finding is cancer and, if so, what the appropriate treatment plan will be. She asked for privacy as she and her family navigate the next steps but also thanked fans for their support and urged people to pay attention to their own health and screening options.

Filmogaz will monitor the situation and provide updates as Romano shares new information about test results and any treatment decisions.