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, the Emmy-nominated actress best known for her role in the Disney series Even Stevens, has revealed that a recent cancer screening returned a positive result.
The actress shared the emotional update in a tearful video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, explaining that she and her husband, Brendon Rooney, decided to undergo screening tests after both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer. Romano said her mother survived the illness, but her father later passed away from it. She also disclosed that her maternal grandmother died of lung cancer.
According to Romano, her husband’s test results came back negative, but hers did not. “Mine did not come back negative,” she said in the video, pausing before delivering the news.
She explained that the result suggests the possibility of “stageable cancer” and that she now requires a PET scan, a diagnostic test that uses a radioactive tracer to detect potential cancer in the body. However, she said she is currently facing difficulties with her insurance provider in getting the scan approved.
During the video, Romano became visibly emotional, describing the moment as a “very vulnerable time” in her life. She also reflected on recent losses in the entertainment industry, which she said have made the situation even more difficult to process.
Romano added that nearly a year ago, she suffered facial injuries after being accidentally sprayed with birdshot while shooting clay pigeons during her birthday celebration. She previously shared images of the injuries on social media.
The former child star rose to fame as Renee “Ren” Stevens opposite Shia LaBeouf in the series. She also starred in the Disney Channel film Cadet Kelly alongside Hilary Duff.
Romano did not provide further details about her diagnosis but indicated that she is awaiting additional testing to determine the next steps.
