christy carlson romano Says Positive Cancer Screening, Eyes PET Scan While Fighting Insurer
Christy Carlson Romano, the 41-year-old actor best known for her Disney-era roles, revealed in an emotional social media video that a recent cancer screening has returned a positive result. Romano said her husband’s screening was clear while hers “did not come back negative, ” and she is preparing for a PET scan as she attempts to secure insurance coverage for the next diagnostic steps. The news has prompted the actress to lean on faith and family while she waits for definitive answers.
Immediate reaction and next medical steps
In the video posted Feb. 17 (ET), Romano struggled through tears as she explained the screening outcome and described the mix of fear and determination she feels. She made clear that a positive screening does not equal a formal cancer diagnosis, but added that the result means she may have “stageable cancer” and must move quickly to clarify the situation. Her next medical move is a PET scan, an imaging test that assesses metabolic activity in tissues and can help physicians identify and stage cancer if present. Romano also said she is fighting her insurance company to get that PET scan covered.
She emphasized how the timing has been jarring: she had been back on set and feeling happy, only to receive the unsettling news shortly after. Romano framed her response around pragmatic urgency — securing tests, advocating with insurers, and leaning on the support network around her while she takes things day by day.
Family history, personal context and public message
Romano cited a strong family history of cancer as a key reason she pursued screening in the first place. She disclosed that both of her parents had cancer and that her father died from the disease; she also said a grandmother died of lung cancer. That personal history, coupled with recent losses in her wider community, helped spur the decision to get tested.
The actor is a mother of two young daughters — Isabella, 9, and Sofia, 7 — and said their presence is a driving force behind her urgency to get answers and move forward with care. Romano repeatedly invoked faith and gratitude as tools to manage anxiety, telling viewers she’s taking life “one day at a time” and recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
Alongside the health update, Romano noted she has creative and professional projects on the horizon, including an upcoming memoir. She also hosts a well-known podcast that has provided a platform for candid conversations about vulnerability and personal struggle. Romano asked for privacy as she navigates testing and for space to share updates as more information becomes available.
Wider context and what comes next
Romano’s announcement highlights a broader public-health backdrop: cancer remains a common diagnosis, and early detection through screening can be crucial for treatment options. She urged people not to dismiss symptoms or delay routine checks, stressing that screening led her to this early detection step. For now, the immediate focus is on completing the PET scan, resolving coverage disputes with her insurance provider, and awaiting definitive results that will determine any next steps in treatment or staging.
As Romano moves forward, she has asked for understanding and promised to share updates. For fans and observers, the moment is a reminder of how quickly health news can alter plans and priorities — and of the heavy logistics that can follow a concerning screening result, from diagnostic imaging to insurer approvals.
