Disney Star Christy Carlson Romano Reveals Possible Cancer Diagnosis

The Even Stevens actress is preparing for a PET scan after a recent screening showed a positive result.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Christy Carlson Romano, best known for her starring role as Ren Stevens on the Disney Channel's Even Stevens, has revealed that a recent cancer screening showed a positive result. The 41-year-old actress is now preparing to undergo a PET scan to determine if she has stageable cancer. Romano, who is married with two young daughters, became emotional as she shared the news with fans on Instagram, citing her family's history with the disease and the recent passing of her friend, actor James Van Der Beek, as motivating factors for getting tested.

Why it matters

Romano's openness about her potential cancer diagnosis sheds light on the importance of regular cancer screenings, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Her story also highlights the emotional toll that the prospect of a cancer diagnosis can take, particularly for parents of young children. As a prominent Disney Channel star, Romano's willingness to share her health journey may also inspire others to prioritize their own preventative care.

The details

In an Instagram video, Romano explained that both of her parents had cancer, with her mother beating the disease but her father eventually succumbing to it. She also noted that her grandmother on her mother's side had lung cancer and died from it. After receiving the results of a recent cancer screening, Romano said the test did not come back negative, meaning she 'may have stageable cancer.' The actress is now scheduled to undergo a PET scan later this week to determine the next steps.

  • On February 17, 2026, Romano shared the news of her potential cancer diagnosis via an Instagram video.
  • Romano is scheduled to undergo a PET scan later this week to determine if she has stageable cancer.

The players

Christy Carlson Romano

A 41-year-old actress best known for her starring role as Ren Stevens on the Disney Channel's Even Stevens. She is married with two young daughters.

James Van Der Beek

An actor who recently passed away at the age of 48 due to cancer, inspiring Romano to undergo her own cancer screening.

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What they’re saying

“I got the results back a little bit before filming down in Florida. My husband's [results] came back completely negative. Mine did not come back negative, so basically, what that means is I may have stageable cancer.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, Actress (Instagram)

“I'm going in for a PET scan later this week and hopefully it's something easy to treat. I debated whether or not I was going to post this because I was afraid I'd come off 'cringe.' But I decided it was my duty to share, so that people get out there and get screenings.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, Actress (Instagram)

What’s next

Romano is scheduled to undergo a PET scan later this week to determine the next steps in her potential cancer diagnosis.

The takeaway

Romano's openness about her potential cancer diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of regular cancer screenings, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Her story also highlights the emotional challenges that come with the prospect of a cancer diagnosis, particularly for parents of young children.