+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

'West Side Story' star Rachel Zegler says she found a lump in her breast during the pandemic, but early detection helped calm the 'scariest week' of her life

Sep 28, 2022, 20:45 IST
Insider
Rachel Zegler shared details on her Instagram Stories.Jeff Kravitz / Contributor / Getty Images
  • Rachel Zegler said she experienced a breast cancer scare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Zegler, 21, shared a photo of her scar from a biopsy procedure on her Instagram Stories.
Advertisement

Rachel Zegler revealed that experienced a breast cancer scare at age 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Just Jared, the "West Side Story" actress shared the details in a now-deleted Instagram Story on Saturday. The post included a black and white picture of a scar Zegler got from a biopsy procedure.

"Two years ago I found a lump in my breast and went through what was undoubtedly the scariest week of my life," Zegler, now 21, wrote. "No OB/GYN was taking new patients due to the backlog of the pandemic, but I was fortunate to have the care of my pediatrician who prescribed me an ultrasound, which led to an out-patient biopsy procedure. Thankfully it was benign."

Zegler added: "And now the scar serves as a reminder to check my breasts regularly for any irregular growth – the fibroadenoma in my left breast is a common occurrence but nevertheless extremely scary to find. Early detection saves lives!!! Check your titty meat."

Representatives for Zegler did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Advertisement

Rachel Zegler said she underwent a biopsy after discovering a lump on her breast.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

The American Cancer Society said breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the United States, with an estimated 287,850 new cases in 2022. According to the ACS, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are possible.

Other symptoms include breast skin irritation, nipple discharge that's not breast milk, swelling of part of the breast, and more. The organization encouraged regular breast cancer screenings because while some women have symptoms, others have no symptoms.

Insider previously shared a five-step guide to checking for breast cancer at home in December 2020, which advised persons with breasts to check at the same time each month. The self-evaluation should occur around three to five days after the menstruation period ends.

Insider's Carla Delgado reported that individuals should have a doctor assess their breast cancer risk at 25 in order to make personalized decisions regarding the appropriate time to schedule a screening exam.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article