Busy Philipps Shares Message to Women After Opting for Scan That Revealed a Brain Tumor (Exclusive)

**Busy Philipps Advocates for Women’s Health Awareness Following Brain Tumour Diagnosis**

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, actress Busy Philipps discussed her health journey after discovering a brain tumour, urging women to trust their instincts regarding their wellbeing. Philipps, who stars in the forthcoming CBS series ‘Cupertino’, underwent surgery in March 2023 to remove the tumour and has since reported feeling much better.

The 47-year-old actress made the decision to have a full-body MRI scan, despite her primary care doctor advising that it was unnecessary. Philipps recalled feeling a strong urge to undergo the scan, stating, “I didn’t know why I wanted to get this scan except for the fact that I just did.” This conviction led her to seek the opinion of her cousin’s husband, Dr. Justin Donlan, an internist based in Beverly Hills. He reassured her that “knowledge is power” when it comes to health, encouraging her to pursue the scan.

Philipps proceeded with the scan in February, which ultimately revealed the presence of a mass on her brain. Subsequent imaging confirmed it was indeed a tumour, specifically diagnosed as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma—an unusual type of tumour that affects only about 1,100 to 1,300 individuals annually in the United States. On March 2, 2023, she underwent surgery to remove the growth, and thankfully, a biopsy indicated that further treatments like chemotherapy or radiation would not be required since the tumour was caught early.

Reflecting on her experience, Philipps emphasised the importance of advocating for oneself in medical situations, particularly for women who often face dismissal from healthcare professionals. “I think that really speaks to us as women. We are frequently told by doctors that there is nothing to worry about, and you kind of know that there’s something to worry about,” she noted. Philipps also acknowledged her “inherent privilege,” highlighting the financial burden of elective scans that can cost several thousand pounds.

The television star shared a poignant moment with her close friend, Michelle Williams, who reminded her that she had been expressing concerns about her mental state for some time. “When I first told her [about the tumour], she said, ‘Busy, you have been saying for the past two years, ‘My brain feels broken.’” Philipps admitted that she had indeed felt that way, but following her surgery, she now feels a renewed sense of clarity and wellbeing. “My brain does not feel broken anymore,” she affirmed, expressing confidence in her recovery.

Philipps hopes her story resonates with women, encouraging them to seek information about their health without fear. “There’s nothing to be afraid of in having information. It’s only empowering,” she stated. She added that individuals should not hesitate to pursue further testing if they believe something is wrong, regardless of what a doctor might say. “See things through if you can,” she advised.

This experience has led Philipps to a broader reflection on health awareness, urging individuals to connect with their bodies and listen to their internal cues. “Ultimately, we have the ability to be in touch with what is going on inside of our own bodies if we can recognise it and listen to ourselves,” she said, urging everyone not to dismiss their feelings or instincts.

For those interested in Philipps’s journey and insights on health, a full interview can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available this Friday. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for women who may feel their concerns are overlooked. As she prepares for her upcoming role on CBS’s ‘Cupertino’, Philipps is an example of resilience in the face of health challenges, emphasising the power of personal agency in health decisions.