'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
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- 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.
- The biopsy revealed the growth was noncancerous, according to Zegler.
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.
—JEEPEG (@jeepeg274) September 24, 2022
"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.
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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. The ACS said the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are possible.
Other signs 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 that persons with breasts check at the same time each month, specifically around three to five days after their period ends for individuals with a uterus.
Insider's Carla Delgado reported that individuals should have a doctor assess their breast cancer risk at 25, so that patients and their doctors can make personalized decisions about appropriate timing regarding screening exams.