"Big Bang Theory" Actor Kate Micucci, 43, Recovering After Lung Cancer Surgery

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Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) and Lucy (Kate Micucci) on The Big Bang Theory.Photo byMONTY BRINTON/CBS VIA GETTY IMAGES

Actress and comedian Kate Micucci, 43, recently shared her journey of being diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing surgery to treat the disease. In a heartfelt TikTok video, she expressed gratitude for the early detection that led to successful removal of the cancer.

Lung cancer, the third most common cancer in the United States, can affect both smokers and non-smokers, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and proactive healthcare.

Kate Micucci's unexpected lung cancer diagnosis

Despite being a non-smoker, Kate Micucci received an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis. The Big Bang Theory star mentioned in a TikTok video, titled "An update on what I've been up to", that high levels of inflammation in her bloodwork prompted her to seek further testing and scans.

Kate began the video by saying,

"Hey everybody, this is not a TikTok, it's a 'Sick Tok. I'm in the hospital but it's because I had lung cancer surgery yesterday. They caught it really early."

"It's really weird, because I've never smoked a cigarette in my life so uh, you know, it was a surprise," Katie continued. "But also I guess, also, it happens and so the greatest news is they caught it early, they got it out, I'm all good."

This led to the discovery of a spot on her lung, which was subsequently diagnosed as cancerous. Micucci's case serves as a reminder that lung cancer can affect people who have never smoked before.

Early detection played a crucial role in her successful treatment, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and proactive healthcare.

The journey to recovery and gratitude for early detection

Following her lung cancer surgery, Kate Micucci shared her journey to recovery with her fans. She expressed gratitude for the early detection of the cancer, which allowed for its successful removal.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths in the US, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. However, lung cancer rates decrease each year as fewer people are smoking cigarettes.

Unfortunately, lung cancer can also be caused by breathing secondhand smoke, or even having certain gene mutations or a family history of lung cancer. Those like Katie who have never smoked before, or have smoked only a few times, make up about 10 to 20 percent of lung cancer cases each year, as per the CDC.

Katie added,

"It's been a little bit of a trip, and I'll probably be moving slow for a few weeks but then I'll be back at it."

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