Maria Menounos, the Emmy Award-winning TV host and journalist, is making headlines not just for her entertainment career but for her powerful advocacy around health and early cancer detection. After surviving two major health scares—a brain tumor in 2017 and a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2023—Menounos has become a passionate voice for proactive wellness, sharing her story to inspire millions.
From Hollywood to Health Hero
Menounos, known for hosting
Entertainment Tonight,
Access Hollywood, and
E! News, has always been a familiar face on television. But her recent journey has taken her far beyond the red carpet. In 2023, she was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor—a rare and often deadly form of cancer. The diagnosis came after months of unexplained pain and bloating, which led her to seek multiple medical opinions and ultimately a full-body scan that revealed the tumor.
She underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery to remove part of her pancreas, her spleen, 17 lymph nodes, and a massive fibroid. The procedure was successful, and Menounos credits early detection for saving her life. “Early detection is everything,” she told
Good Morning America, urging viewers to listen to their bodies and advocate for thorough medical testing.
Championing Early Detection and Wellness
Menounos has turned her personal health battles into a public mission. She regularly appears on wellness segments and podcasts, sharing expert advice and personal insights on how to take charge of one’s health. Her podcast,
Heal Squad x Maria Menounos, features leading medical experts and inspiring stories of recovery, aiming to empower listeners to prioritize their well-being.
She’s also partnered with health organizations to promote the importance of full-body scans and regular checkups, especially for those experiencing persistent symptoms. Menounos emphasizes that her own survival hinged on not giving up when initial tests failed to find the problem. “If you feel something is wrong, keep pushing for answers,” she advises.
New Roles: Motherhood and Advocacy
In addition to her health advocacy, Menounos has embraced new roles as a mother and continues to expand her media presence. She co-hosted the Miss Universe 2023 pageant and remains active as CEO of AfterBuzz TV, a digital network she co-founded. Her recent work includes starring in a Netflix series and a Lifetime Christmas movie, proving her resilience and versatility.
What’s Next for Maria Menounos?
Menounos’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-advocacy. She’s committed to helping others become “the CEO of their health,” offering resources, expert interviews, and community support through her website and podcast. Her story is a wake-up call for anyone putting off medical checkups or ignoring persistent symptoms.
Key Takeaways:-
Early detection can save lives. Menounos’s experience highlights the importance of listening to your body and seeking thorough medical evaluation.
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Advocacy matters. She’s using her platform to educate and empower others about cancer risks and proactive health management.
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Resilience is key. Despite major health challenges, Menounos continues to thrive in her career and personal life.
As Menounos herself says, “Don’t wait. Take control of your health today.”
Sources
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2. Maria Menounos - Wikipedia
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6. Health News | Latest Medical, Nutrition, Fitness News - ABC News
7. Maria Menounos survives pancreatic cancer, detected early with ...
8. ABC News Videos - The Walt Disney Company
9. Maria Menounos
10. US bans livestock imports from Mexico due to spread of flesh-eating ...
11. Girls Inc. launches new program to help girls' mental health
12. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health
