Maria Menounos recognized that something wasn’t right with her body.
Throughout 2023, the renowned TV host and journalist experienced debilitating abdominal pain accompanied by persistent bloating. Despite undergoing a comprehensive series of tests—including a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and CT scan—her medical team remained unable to identify the root cause, while her troubling symptoms continued to intensify.
The breakthrough came through a full-body MRI, which finally revealed the source of her distress: a concerning mass on her pancreas. Her physician subsequently confirmed the diagnosis as a Stage 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor—a rare and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.
“Outside screening is what saved my life,” Menounos emphasized during a recent conversation with Tom Beer, MD, a practicing oncologist and chief medical officer specializing in multi-cancer early detection at Exact Sciences.
This life-changing experience has motivated her partnership with Cancerguard, an innovative prescription blood test developed by Exact Sciences (creators of Cologuard). This groundbreaking test is engineered to identify more than 50 different cancer types and subtypes, including particularly elusive forms like pancreatic, ovarian, and liver cancers.
“I am deeply passionate about outside screening because I understand how crucial it is to improve your odds,” Menounos explained. “Many of these cancers are particularly dangerous—they remain silent and symptom-free until it’s often too late.”
Following successful treatment, Menounos is now cancer-free, though her journey required significant surgical intervention. She underwent removal of part of her pancreas, her entire spleen, 17 lymph nodes, and a large fibroid. Despite these challenges, she has emerged as a powerful advocate, encouraging everyone to become the “CEO” of their own health journey.
This approach encompasses maintaining consistent medical appointments, staying current with recommended screenings, and persistently seeking answers to health concerns—all while maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process.
“When you experience persistent pain, you must be equally persistent in seeking answers,” she advised, sharing that she frequently “visualizes celebrating success” before undergoing stressful medical scans and tests.
Menounos continues to embody her health advocacy message and is passing these valuable lessons to her young daughter. She proudly shares that her 2-year-old already demonstrates a love for nutritious foods and eagerly participates in their morning stretching routines.
Looking ahead, two years beyond her cancer diagnosis, Menounos has established a clear mission: to live her healthiest and most fulfilling life while being present for her daughter “through every milestone and precious moment.”
