Christy Carlson Romano Shares Positive Cancer Screening Results in Emotional Message
By [Your Name] | Published: February 19, 2026
Actress Christy Carlson Romano, known for her roles on Even Stevens and as the voice of Kim Possible, revealed on Instagram this week that a recent cancer screening test returned positive signs, prompting concern and further medical follow-up. In a candid, emotional message to her followers, Romano detailed her experience and underscored the importance of proactive health screenings.
At 41 years old, Romano explained that she underwent cancer screening alongside her husband, Brendan Rooney, because of a strong family history of the disease — including her late father, her mother who survived cancer, and her maternal grandmother who died from lung cancer. While Rooney’s results were clear, Romano’s “did not come back negative,” a result she said may indicate stageable cancer.
Screening Results, Next Steps and Medical Challenges
Romano — who currently lives in Austin, Texas — clarified that a positive screening result does not confirm a cancer diagnosis, but it does necessitate further testing. Her next step is to undergo a PET scan to look more closely at where any abnormal cells may be located and to determine the appropriate diagnosis.
She also revealed that securing insurance coverage for this crucial imaging test has been a source of frustration, describing it as an added stress during an already emotional period.
In her Instagram video, Romano recounted the moment she received her test results, describing the mix of fear, disbelief and gratitude that came with it. “I’m nervous and a bit scared,” she acknowledged, noting that anyone in her situation would likely feel the same. Despite her concern, she spoke openly about leaning on her family’s support and her faith as she navigates this uncertain time.
Personal Motivations and Public Message
Romano said part of her motivation for sharing the news publicly was to encourage others — especially those with family histories of serious illness — to get screened early. She referenced the recent death of actor James Van Der Beek, a friend and Austin resident who succumbed to colorectal cancer, as a reminder of how pervasive the disease can be.
“I got the results back a little bit before filming down in Florida,” Romano said in the video. “My husband’s came back completely negative. Mine did not come back negative. … That’s the thing with cancer — cancer is everywhere, which is why I got this test.”
Romano, who shares her two young daughters with Rooney, also referenced a challenging incident from the prior year when she survived being accidentally shot in the face during a clay shooting activity, describing herself as “grateful for life” even amid trials.
Looking Ahead
Although she has not announced a formal diagnosis or prognosis, Romano vowed to keep her fans and followers updated as more information becomes available. She stressed that this period is a “very vulnerable time” but also a reminder of how important early detection can be.
In addition to her health journey, Romano is balancing ongoing creative projects, including a movie she recently filmed and an upcoming memoir that she said will touch on deeply personal experiences.
Her heartfelt message — delivered with raw emotion and candid transparency — has sparked support from fans across social media and brought renewed attention to the value of preventive healthcare and early screening, especially for those with family risk factors.
